Those in attendance at Polk County’s girls’ basketball games this season probably have two reactions after a cursory glance at the varsity roster.
For opponents, there were probably a few eyes rolling and comments like, “not again.” For Polk County fans, there’s a good bit of celebration.
Why would Polk’s roster be significant in these two reactions?
That’s an easy one. Another Overholt has been tearing it up for the Wolverines.
This time, it’s Kara Overholt. The freshman has been on the varsity squad the entire season and is finally starting to eat up some minutes.
Like her brothers, Derrick and Andre, and her sister, Krista, before her – the latest edition of the Overholts is going to leave a mark on Polk County athletics.
“She’s a great athlete,” Polk coach Craig Culbreth said.  “She’s willing to work hard to get better.”
As the season has went on, Overholt’s minutes have increased. It wasn’t an immediate adjustment from the middle school game, but she has progressed.
“The speed of the game has been quicker,” Overholt said. “It’s been a change. I’m hanging in there.”
But if anyone has the pedigree to adjust to the game, it’s Overholt. Her brothers – Derrick and Andre – were both good basketball players at Polk County. Her sister – Krista – played on one of the strongest basketball teams Polk has had thus far.
Overholt is aware of the path she is heading down that was cleared by her siblings.
“I feel like there are big footsteps I have to fill,” she said. “I feel like I have to step it up a little bit.”
Her sister is at all of her basketball games and there are conversations afterwards with some critiques.
“She gives me tips,” Overholt said of her sister, Krista. “After the game, she points things out I need to work on. I appreciate that. It makes me better.”
Culbreth coached both the Overholt brothers and he’s got a little message for them. As good of shots that Derrick and Andre had, Kara’s will be better, Culbreth said half-jokingly.
“Kara is going to be one of those special players at Polk County High School in any sport she plays,” Culbreth said. “As good as she is an athlete; she’s an even better person.”