Nantahala – After fending off a late comeback, the Nantahala boys varsity basketball team capped off the annual homecoming game with a win.
The Hawks led the majority of the game, but Highlands made a late push to take the lead. Nantahala fought back and came out victorious.
With the win, the Hawks clinched the No. 2 seed in the Little Smoky Mountain Conference to play on Feb. 18. Results will be in the Feb. 26 edition of the Cherokee Scout.
After the homecoming ceremony’s festivities died down, the Hawks were ready to take on Highlands in their regular-season finale.
Nantahala took an early lead, but Highlands caught and claimed the lead. That didn’t last long, as Nantahala dropped a 3-pointer to regain the lead. After multiple lead changes, the Hawks scored with two seconds left to lead 13-12 after the first quarter.
Only 19 seconds into the second quarter, Highlands got the lead back. They then extended their lead, but the Hawks fought back to take the lead after Fernando Trejo got a steal and stormed down the court to make a layup. Nantahala extended its lead to 24-19 with two minutes left and held it until halftime.
In the third period, the Hawks extended their lead to seven points. In the final three minutes, Highlands fought back to make it a one-point game, then took the lead.
In the final minute, Nantahala took back the lead and Jameson Grchan made a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to give Nantahala a 37-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In the tense, back-and-forth game, Nantahala fans were loud and wanted a win on homecoming night.
The Hawks built as much as a nine-point lead in the fourth, but Highlands cut the deficit with two quick three-pointers early in the quarter. With 3:31 left, Highlands tied it at 43.
Highlands extended its lead to 51-47, but Nantahala wasn’t done. They slowly fought back and tied the game at 51 when Cole McCoy made a basket in the final minute. With less than 30 seconds remaining, McCoy made a free throw to give the Hawks the lead.
On the other end of the court, McCoy had a huge block with 16 seconds left to save the game for the Hawks. As he made the block, the crowd erupted in cheers.
McCoy was fouled as he picked up the rebound and converted one of his shots to extend the lead to two points. In the final 13 seconds, Hunter Bryant and Grchan both made free throws to secure the 55-51 win for Nantahala.
The Hawks were led by McCoy and Landon Neal, who both had 16 points. A total of 10 of McCoy’s 16 points came in the fourth quarter, while 12 of Neal’s 16 points came from beyond the 3-point arch. Chase McMahan scored nine points, with seven coming in the third quarter.
The Hawks faced Highlands again on Feb. 18 in the first round of the LSMC conference tournament. Results will be in the Feb. 26 edition of the Cherokee Scout.