Overton Defeats Union Grove in Class 2A Division 1 Playoffs

Overton takes control in the second half to win 47-35 over Union Grove

Feb. 24, 2026 at 6:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Overton took control of the game in the second half to grab a 47-35 victory over Union Grove in the bi-district round of the Class 2A Division 1 playoffs Monday night. Union Grove led 21-20 at halftime after hitting seven 3-pointers in the first half, but Overton's defense clamped down in the second half, holding the Lions to just 1-of-9 shooting from downtown.

Why it matters

This playoff matchup between Overton and Union Grove showcased the competitive nature of Class 2A Division 1 basketball in Texas. While Union Grove had a strong first half, Overton's adjustments on defense in the second half proved to be the difference, highlighting the coaching strategies and in-game adjustments that can determine the outcome of close playoff games.

The details

Overton outscored Union Grove 27-14 in the second half, going on an 11-0 run to take control of the game. Rylan Holleman led Overton with 13 points, while Brody Brown, Christian Hall, and Landon Hill also made key contributions. For Union Grove, Hudson Wightman scored a team-high 13 points, but the Lions struggled to find their shooting touch in the second half.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 24, 2026 at Tyler Junior College's Wagstaff Gymnasium.
  • Union Grove led 21-20 at halftime.

The players

Kerry McConnell

Overton's head boys basketball coach.

Lance Loewe

Union Grove's head boys basketball coach.

Wrigley Roberts

Union Grove senior who was injured in the final district game but checked into the game in the final 30 seconds to score a layup in his final high school game.

Rylan Holleman

Overton's leading scorer with 13 points.

Hudson Wightman

Union Grove's leading scorer with 13 points.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They really made us earn it in the first half, and they hit some big shots, and I kept telling them that they can't stay that hot. But we also had to put pressure on their perimeter shooters and drive them off the line and make them dribble. I thought we did a really good job in the second half of putting ball pressure on their best guards, where in the first half, I thought we left them open to get open looks.”

— Kerry McConnell, Overton head boys basketball coach (tylerpaper.com)

“He was such a big part of this season. He's our second-leading scorer and was a leader for us all season. To not have him in this game, it was unfortunate. I'll give credit to the rest of the kids. They stepped up and played really hard. Overton is a really good team. It was just a good moment for him to cap off his season, being able to get on the court and be with his brothers.”

— Lance Loewe, Union Grove head boys basketball coach (tylerpaper.com)

“It just means a lot to me. What a year. If you saw how our year went, you would be like, 'wow, how is this team here,'? It's crazy because at the beginning of the season we were just so down, and then we built our way up and made the playoffs. It's always an accomplishment to make the playoffs no matter who you are. And it just felt good.”

— Wrigley Roberts (tylerpaper.com)

What’s next

Overton will face either San Augustine or Timpson in the next round of the Class 2A Division 1 playoffs.

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, as Union Grove fought hard in the first half but Overton's defensive adjustments in the second half proved to be the difference. The moment where Union Grove's injured senior Wrigley Roberts was able to check in and score a layup in the final seconds was a heartwarming end to his high school career.