Cave Spring 39, Brunswick 33 in overtime

Brunswick High's third consecutive appearance in a state basketball tournament final was not the charm.

The Bulldogs today were on the short end of the score against Cave Spring of Roanoke in overtime in the Virginia High School League Group AA, Division 3 boys championship game before a crowd of about 3,500 at the Siegel Center. Brunswick lost to William Fleming in 2007 and Millbrook last year.

Cave Spring won its second state title (Group AAA in 2002) despite going scoreless for 12:41 spanning the third and fourth quarters. Cave Spring led 24-17 when Mark Overstreet connected for a three-pointer at the seven-minute mark of the third quarter. Overstreet's layup with 2:19 left in regulation tied the score at 26.

Brunswick led 11-7 after one quarter but lost the lead in the second and didn't get it back until Casey Walker knocked down a three-pointer with 6:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Keith Stradford hit a three-pointer to put Brunswick up 29-27. The Knights' 6-11 center, Josh Henderson, sank two free throws that led to overtime. Brunswick had a chance to win in regulation, but Michael Wynn stumbled driving to the basket and was called for traveling.

Adam Hager's three-pointer 19 seconds into overtime gave Cave Spring a lead it never relinquished.

Overstreet led Cave Spring with 10 points. Wynn and Walker had 11 each for Brunswick. -- Arthur Utley