Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
NORMAL — Led by senior sensation Alayna Kraus who scored 24 of her game high 33 points in the second half, the Okawville Lady Rockets won their second straight 1A State Championship, downing Illini Bluffs 48-36.
Illini Bluffs led 15-14 after a rough and tumble defensive scrum of a first half, but that all changed in the third quarter.
Kraus hit all four of her shots as Okawville took the lead, then Caroline Tepe and Raelyn Obermeier each hit three-pointers helping the Lady Rockets outscore the Tigers 17-6 in the third quarter to take a 31-21 lead after three.
Kraus tallied 15 in the fourth quarter alone, including 11-12 from the free throw, to seal the deal on back to back state titles.
Okawville finished the season 25-11, while Illini Bluffs ended 32-5.
