EASTON – Seems like Oliver Ames has a knack for last-minute choices.
The No. 32 Tigers prevailed in a wild 54-51 boys basketball win over No. 33 Norwood (11-10) in a Division 2 preliminary spherical state event matchup after a lot angst earlier than, throughout, and after the sport.
Oliver Ames (7-14) initially was not included within the state event, regardless of making the minimize based mostly on their energy rankings. The Tigers have been eliminated by the MIAA after not finishing the event entry course of paperwork, however after an injunction on Monday on the Bristol County Superior Court reinstated Oliver Ames, the curler coaster trip continued within the three-point victory within the ultimate seconds.
The courtroom resolution was made within the twenty third hour earlier than the event began with some faculties already headed to their preliminary matchups however ultimately the trouble was value it for Oliver Ames.
Head coach Eric MacKinnon put issues in perspective seconds after the second main postseason victory for his group.
“It was a tough week – a real hard week, mostly for our student athletes who couldn’t grasp what was happening, nor should they have. But, luckily, we had a lot of support from some people to get us back to playing basketball,” stated MacKinnon. “You want to host a playoff game and that was our goal. We have a ton of support from our students and our community and Easton is a basketball town and you could see that tonight.”
With 11. 3 second left to play, Jefferson Smock tipped in an offensive rebound to interrupt the third tie within the ultimate two-plus minutes of play for the 52-50 result in shock the Mustangs down the stretch because the Tigers get one other probability after going through elimination to face top-seeded Malden Catholic on Friday night time.
Smock completed the sport with 18 factors and a whopping 24 rebounds to seize the double-double and steal the victory on the courtroom for the Tigers for the second time in simply over 48 hours.
“Most of us thought the season was over but big shout out to Norwood coming this far thinking they had a home game; just glad we got through as a family,” stated Smock, who battled accidents this season together with the controversy that marred the regular-season finish. “This is pretty satisfying, it feels good to win, but I think it’s better to win as a family and I couldn’t be prouder of my brothers and my team.”
Norwood trailed by as a lot as 13 factors with 1:33 left within the third quarter because the Tigers prolonged their largest lead of the sport. Senior captain Jake Willard buried each of his free throws for the 40-27 lead.
But Willard, who had the hardest task on protection of the sport with Tri-Valley League MVP Matty Mahoney being bodily all sport, picked up his fourth foul the following time down the courtroom on protection and Norwood took benefit.
Mahoney was simply getting warmed up within the second half with 24 of his game-high 28 factors within the ultimate 16 minutes of play to get Norwood inside one with back-to-back three pointers to begin the ultimate stanza.
Another long-range three-pointer from fellow senior captain Owen Desharnais late within the contest gave Norwood their first lead of the sport, 46-44, because the Mustangs battled all the best way again regardless of an uncharacteristic 19 turnovers.
But after Smock despatched the packed Tigers’ home right into a frenzy, Norwood had another probability as Mahoney drove the lane and Willard sacrificed himself with the laborious foul with 5.6 left in regulation as Mahoney had a simple layup lined up.
“I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve never seen Matty Mahoney do what he did and carry a team the way he did,” stated Norwood head coach Chris Fraioli. “He was the one to get the rock, but with that being said (Smock) had some huge rebounds, we know we are small, but a couple of their guys hit big shots as well, so I don’t want to take anything away from them.”
Mahoney went 1-of-2 from the road after being 11-of-12 total within the sport previous to the ultimate two from the charity stripe. Mahoney missed the entrance finish of the two-shot penalty.
“(Mahoney) is a great player and I respect him so much. He worked hard all game, so I really respect how he fought back for his team. I loved how the competitive spirit between us was there all game,” stated Williard, who left the courtroom to a rousing standing ovation. “Jeff goes down and makes a big play for us and that’s all we can ask for. You get five (fouls) for a reason and I was trying to compose myself, keep my hands off down to the end but he’s a tough player and finishes well. I had to put him on the line and take our chances.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com