Basketball
A Championship Game for the Ages?!?
The Redeemer Men’s basketball team participated in its first championship contest in the history of the program and they came away able to hold their heads very high. It took overtime before their opponent, Open Bible was able to claim victory on Friday night.
With both teams very well represented at the neutral site (Greater Grace), both squads squared off in a tremendous atmosphere. Throughout 3 quarters, the game stayed close, with Open Bible ending each quarter with a slim lead. There were at least 5 lead changes in the 1st half alone.
With less than 2 minutes remaining in regulation, it looked as though Open Bible was in control with a 5 point lead; however, Junior Brandon Scarff, after pumping at least 2 or 3 times, was able to hit a 3 pointer over 2 defenders to bring the Royals within 3, then it was Scarff again as he was able to gather in an offensive rebound and hit a short jumper to tie the game, sending it into overtime.
With supporters from both teams standing for much of the final quarter and overtime, Redeemer took an early lead in overtime as Jon Bizzell (playing since the 3rd quarter with 4 fouls), was able to convert a fast break layup to put Redeemer up by one. However, during a 1 minute stretch both Bizzell and Campanella (who also played the entire 4th quarter with 4 fouls) fouled out of the game. Open Bible opened up a lead in the first half of the overtime; however, the foul shooting of Brandon Scarff tied the game up as he hit 3 of 5 free throws (a 3 shot shooting foul and a 2 shot shooting foul). Redeemer had the ball with under 12 seconds remaining and down by one, but the field goal attempt was short and Redeemer had to foul to put Open Bible on the line. Open Bible took a 3 point lead with 1.2 seconds remaining and the Royals tried a desparate 3/4 court shot that was predictably off target, setting of an Open Bible celebration.
Congratulations to Coach Campbell and the Redeemer varsity men for taking this squad further than any Redeemer basketball team has gone so far. Especially of note was Brandon Scarff’s shot making in the clutch as well as Jon Bizzell and Kyle Campanella playing effectively for an extended period of time with 4 fouls. The sportsmanship and poise of our men during the MCAL B Conference Championship game is to be commended. We also extend our congratulations to Open Bible, a long time member of the MCAL as they enjoy their championship season.