Northwest 75 Canton Central Catholic 72 (2OT)

[Yappi]

by starkravingdad

Who cares if the writers are on strike in Hollywood? Just send them a tape of this game. Senior captain Tyler Krzynowek, in his last home game drains a 28 foot 3-pointer at the buzzer of the 2nd overtime to gain a 75-72 win over CCC in a terrific HS basketball game.

"Senior Night" was not just a phrase on this night. Senior Mark Gauer battled a center six inches taller to garner six points and six rebounds. Senior Jim Shiplett, his blood-stained and sweat-soaked uniform telling the story of his efforts, gave it all he had and added eight points and a team-high 7 rebounds. Senior Paul Hensley snagged an inbounds pass and laid it in to put the game into overtime. And of course, the usual "Krzynowek's heroics". TK hit 3-point shots at the end of the 1st and 2nd overtimes on his way to 28 points.

The game was tight from the opening tip, with neither team giving up anything easy on defense, making every possesion a battle. The Indians had a 3-point lead at the end of one quarter and a 4 point lead at the half, led by Junior Evan Hudson's 10 points. But the visiting Crusaders tied it in the 3rd at 35. Then- lights, camera, action -the Hollywood drama began.

The fourth quarter was fast and furious, the teams matching one another basket for basket. A Nate Millard steal led to a Krzynowek basket to give the Indians a 45-43 lead. But Central scored 7 straight on the way to a 6-point lead with less than 2 minutes to go. The teams traded foul shots and field goals, but Central held a 53-51 lead. But Paul Hensley stretched his long arms out and snagged an in-bounds pass and laid it in to tie it at 53 at the end of regulation.

The first overtime was also a whirlwind, as the teams combined for 30 points in 4 minutes. Matt Hronec made 3 free throws to give Central a 68-63 lead, but Tim May also knocked in 3 free throws to close the gap to 2. Greg Foster, who had a game-high 37 points, missed 2 free throws. Krzynowek dribbled upcourt, drove to the right wing, backed off the defender and hit a step-back 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left to send it to the 2nd OT.

Two weary, tough teams took the floor for another OT. Joey Rhoads hit the second of a one-and-one to tie the game at 72 with 4.9 seconds left. But here came Krzynowek again. Dribbling up court, weaving through 4 CCC defenders, he dribbled to the right again, pulled up deep on the wing, and fading out of bounds, hit a 3 at the buzzer. The fans flooded the court and embraced their senior heroes - just like a Hollywood movie. It was a night the seniors - and most everyone in attendance - won't soon forget.

Northwest ends their season at 15-5 and heads into tourney play on Tuesday at the Fieldhouse.