Gavin Smith gets to the basket against Pequot Lakes. (Staples World photo by Mark Anderson)

Cardinals force four overtimes in thriller

There were plenty of heroic moments for the Staples-Motley boys basketball team while playing four overtime periods against Pequot Lakes, but none of them were the game-winning shot, as the Cardinals fell 92-86 at home on Jan. 24. The Cardinals also lost to Crosby-Ironton 76-58 on Jan. 27.

Against Pequot Lakes, the Cardinals played from behind most of the game. “We don’t have any problem competing hard, but we missed some easy baskets in the first half and that put us behind,” said Coach Micheal Poncelet. “I’m proud of how the team clawed back to force overtime.”

The Cardinals were behind the entire way until 25 seconds left in the game when Trey Skeesick scored on an inbounds play. The Cardinals played good defense on a last missed shot.

In the first overtime, a missed layup and missed free throws had the team scrambling but Gavin Smith hit a three pointer to tie the game with a minute left. Again, good defense prevented a game-winning shot by Pequot Lakes.

In the second overtime, Smith hit another three and Jack Fietek sunk two free throws for a tie in the last minute. A third late defensive stop led to a third overtime.

With Smith and Mason Rychner fouled out, Josh Lombard took up the slack in the third overtime, hitting two free throws to give the Cardinals their first lead. Another big play was a full court pass from Fietek to Derek Kennedy for a basket and another lead. Lombard hit a three pointer with 40 seconds left but Pequot Lakes tied it on a three with 10 seconds left and forced the fourth overtime.

Skeesick was playing with four fouls for most of the game and made three of four free throws to gain another lead in the fourth overtime, but Pequot made a three pointer and hit free throws in the last minute to seal the win.

“The guys out there did an awesome job with Gavin fouled out,” said Poncelet, “We just didn’t get the free throws and shots to fall when we needed it.” The Cardinals shot 22 of 39 on free throws in the game. They shot 36 percent from the floor, including 10 of 24 three pointers.

Smith had 11 rebounds, 8 steals and 6 assists in the game, while Skeesick had 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. Fietek pulled down 10 rebounds.

Against Crosby-Ironton, the Cardinals stayed close early, but a mini-run at the end of the first half and a 15-0 run at the beginning of the second half put the game out of reach.

Team results

Staples-Motley 86, Pequot Lakes 92, 

Scoring: Gavin Smith 30, Trey Skeesick 24, Derek Kennedy 13, Josh Lombard 7, Mason Rychner 7, Jack Fietek 2, Hunter Carlson 2, Brayden Losh 1

Staples-Motley 58, Crosby-Ironton 76

Scoring: Smith 28, Skeesick 12, Rychner 9, Kennedy 5, Max Giza 4

 

Advertising Deadlines

Deadline for advertisements and copy is Friday, noon.

Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed