TAWAS AREA - Jan. 26, 2010 - An Alpena boys basketball team that looked overmatched early in the season is looking a lot better these days, in part thanks to some new blood.

Sophomore JV call-up Devin O'Neil scored 20 points and hit 6-of-8 free throws in the two overtime periods as the Wildcats avenged an early-season defeat to Tawas Area with a 66-63 double-OT victory over the Braves.

O'Neil was part of a standout night at the free throw line for the Wildcats, who hit 16-of-20 for the game and 9-of-10 in the second extra period alone.

"Alpena played an excellent game at both ends of the court," said Tawas coach Drew Decker. "(But) the big difference was Alpena's free throw shooting."

Jesse Siwek led all scorers with 26 points, with D.J. Decker adding 19 and Travis Simmons 10 as those three scored all but eight of the Braves' (4-6) points.

Alpena had a more balanced scoring attack, with five players scoring at least five points. Sean Berryman (16 points) joined O'Neil with double-figures.