Wilson boys win double-overtime thriller

DARLINGTON — As is normally the case when Darlington and Wilson meet on the basketball court, Friday’s capacity crowd got its money’s worth and then some.

Shahmel Brackett’s desperation 3-pointer from near half-court at the end of regulation, two clutch free throws in overtime and a put-back tip in double overtime capped off one of the wildest games in the schools’ storied rivalry.

In the end, Wilson’s Justin Kelley finished with the game-winner for Wilson after his tip-in basket with less than 20 seconds remaining helped the Tigers secure a 91-89 win over their Region 6-3A foe in double overtime.

“I told our kids before the game that these are the kind of games you sign up for and tell your grandkids about one day,” Wilson coach Bob Wilson said. “I think I might be right on this one.

“But just an unbelievable effort from both teams. I know it’s cliché, but both teams left everything they had on the floor.”

The win was euphoric for the Tigers, but heartbreaking for the Falcons, who rallied from five points down with less than two minutes left.

Donnie James scored 12 of his 22 points in the quarter and Brad Knox’s free throws with 6.2 seconds left gave the Falcons a 78-75 lead.

Knox finished with a team-high 35 points.

“I told the kids to let them get to half-court and then foul them,” Darlington coach Ken Howle said. “But we got there too late.”

Brackett’s 3-pointer was only the beginning, though. James fouled out to start to first overtime but Knox picked up the slack, scoring six points on free throws.

Trailing 86-84, Wilson’s Alan-Michael Thompson was fouled with 5.6 seconds left. And with the din of a raucous crowd surrounding him, Thompson, who finished with 27 points, sank both free throws to force another overtime.

“We’ve had a lot of different guys step up this year, and we’ve had a good rotation of players who have come in and contributed,” Wilson said. “It’s not just the starters, but guys off the bench.”

But Kelley had his day in spotlight.

Brackett fouled out for the Tigers early in the second overtime after posting a game-high 37 points. Kelley picked up the slack, scoring three of the Tigers’ final five points.

“It was like it just wasn’t meant to be,” Howle said. “I didn’t really know what to say to my guys afterwards. They gave everything they had.

“Brad came up big tonight and we got good play from our subs. It was a tremendous game.”

James had 22 points for the Falcons (9-6, 1-4) and Trea Sheikh followed with 12. Trevonte Dixon added 12 points for the Tigers (15-2, 3-1).

The game also featured a clock controversy, a timeout controversy and a technical foul on the Wilson scorekeeper, who was removed from the scorers’ table.

Wilson travels to Marlboro County today while Darlington travels to Marlboro on Tuesday.

GIRLS
Darlington 78, Wilson 64

With Region 6-3A supremacy hanging in the balance, the Darlington Falcons and Wilson Tigers went bucket for bucket for most of the night.

A strong second quarter by the Falcons, however, proved to be the difference.

Jazz Green scored 27 points, 11 in the second quarter as Darlington took a 45-34 lead into halftime and continued on for the big win.

“We’re always going to have our run,” Falcons coach Brian Rozzelle said. “We did a good job using our speed and quickness early and getting some turnovers.
“You have to credit Wilson for coming back at the end.”

The Tigers rallied late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 69-61 and had a couple of opportunities to pull even closer, but missed two 3-pointers and a two shots around the basket.

“We had our chances at the end,” Wilson coach Ann Talbert said. “But it was just one of those nights where a lot of our shots like that didn’t go in.

“But I’m proud of the way our team battled back and kept it close after the second quarter.”

Darlington (17-1, 5-0) had three players in double figures including Green. Antionette McPhail posted 14 points followed by Kierra Patterson with 12.

The Falcons hit 24 of 40 shots from the free throw line.

Wilson (15-3, 3-1) was led by Brittney McIver who had 14 points, nine off of 3-pointers. Tish White followed with 11 and Brittney Davis had nine.