Tied at 67 with 1.4 seconds left and the length of the court to go, McCracken’s Aaron Adams launched a pass into the arms of junior Garrett Miller, who turned around in the right corner and drilled a fadeaway three over a defender to clinch the 70-67 win over Marshall County.
“That was a great pass by Aaron. We drew that play up, just to see if we could try to get a shot up,” Garrett Miller said. “Aaron threw a great pass, and I was able to knock it down.”
“That was an unbelievable shot,” McCracken head coach Dustin Roberts said. “That looked like Rex Chapman in 1997 for the Phoenix Suns hitting that buzzer beater fading out of bounds. Heck of a game by Garrett Miller. We’re glad to have him back, and one heck of a shot. And don’t forget the pass by Aaron Adams.”
To set that up, McCracken was originally up one, when Matthew Langhi converted an and-one, as well as two more free throws after a technical foul by Jackson Klope that fouled him out of the game. Now down four, McCracken was able to force two defensive stands, the latter being a steal and layup by Miles Woodfork to tie the game at 67 with 20 seconds left.
Langhi’s final shot attempt landed out of bounds, giving the Mustangs the ball and leading to the buzzer beater. In the face of adversity in crunch time, Coach Roberts knew his team would be able to stay poised and get the job done.
“Our guys are always tough, steel in the spine no matter the moment,” Roberts said. “Keep poised in those situations, and always be the cool guy in the room. At times we weren’t that tonight, but that’s our message, always stay composed, think your way through it, and find a way to win.”
As a long time impactful player on the team, Garrett Miller earned the trust of his team to take that final shot, an opportunity he is appreciative of.
“I love my coaches,” Miller said. “They trust me a lot. They trust me to certain things, and I’m just grateful they trust me in that situation with that shot.”
Miller led the Mustangs with 21 points, including the dagger three at the end. Miles Woodfork followed him with 16, Owen Grogan with 11, then Klope with 10 to round out Mustangs in double figures.
Matthew Langhi scored a team high for the Marshals with 27. Neyland Jezik nailed four 3-pointers as part of his 18. Ryan Stokes was effective at the rim, tallying 10.
For the second straight time this season, the Mustangs come out on top over Marshall in a thrilling matchup. Now 16-3 on the season and having won their past six, they turn around quickly for another test against a Fourth District opponent, heading to Calloway County tonight to face the Lakers.
The 13-5 Marshals continue their stretch against the Second District, facing Tilghman on the road tonight as well.