By RICHARD TORRES
For The Reporter
Nothing was going to stop the Hamilton Southeastern Royals from winning a fifth straight game on Friday the 13th.
Not bad luck, a slow start or a 36-19 halftime deficit at home against state-ranked Class 4A Carmel (14-4).
Instead, the 4A Royals (12-9) rallied, tied the game at 52-52 by the end of regulation and pulled off the comeback to win 67-61 in overtime.
The victory extended a winning streak HSE launched on Jan. 31 and marked its third consecutive win against rival Carmel in as many years.
HSE outscored the Greyhounds 33-20 in the second half with both teams exchanging leads three times and tying five more throughout the night.
A game-high 27 points by sophomore Varschon Clark (9 of 16 shooting with five rebounds and five assists) fueled HSE’s 17-point come-from-behind performance.
Seniors Luke Weemer and Landon Osswald both finished with 12 points apiece and five and three rebounds, respectively.
The Royals tallied 15 points off 17 Carmel turnovers but lost the rebound (33-24) and 3-point shooting battles (33 points to 18). However, a 15-point bonus quarter sealed the victory.
Carmel junior Cash Daniels led the Hounds with 23 points, six rebounds and six assists.