By Spencer Spilman
Four quarters wasn’t enough to decide Friday’s game between the Hays Rebels and the Akins Eagles.
But a Hays buzzer-beater to send the game into overtime wasn’t enough as the Eagles closed it out in the extra period to win 45-44.
The Rebels got off to a fast start in front of a loud student section. After taking a 7-0 lead, they increased it to 14-2 behind the play of senior Hayden Hoekstra. Joining Hoekstra was Dawson Moreland and Jacob Scaturro, who helped knock down some early three pointers for the Rebels.
Hoekstra led the Rebels with 13 points and nine rebounds. Scaturro was the only other Hays player in double figures with 10 points. He also distributed the ball well with several beautiful assists.
Akins dominated the second quarter. The Eagles started to find their rhythm behind Brasjion Simpson, who led all scorers with 17 points. The Eagles battled back and closed the gap to trail by just four points going into halftime at 21-17.
As points were at a premium in the third quarter, Hays tried to keep feeding Hoekstra on the inside.
Meanwhile, Akins’ Michael Bailey provided offensive punch for the Eagles in the third quarter. He finished with 16 points, but was most effective on the offensive boards. Bailey pulled down six offensive rebounds in the game, which gave him some easy second chance points.
No other Eagle scored more than four points.
Both teams were knotted up at 28 points each, setting for a thrilling fourth quarter.
But when it seemed like every time Hays scored in the fourth quarter, Akins matched it on the other end, much to the delight of the crowd.
Akins knocked down the free-throws needed to give them a three point lead with just one second left in the game.
Hays’ Dre Green was the recipient of the ensuing inbounds pass. The buzzer sounded as he let it fly from long range.
When the shot swished through, the crowd erupted, and the two teams went to overtime tied at 40.
Hays head coach Sam Lunz never had a doubt in Green.
“Any of the guys that are on the court or on the bench, I have confidence in them to hit a shot,” said Lunz. “He’s a good teammate, and for him to hit that shot, I’m happy for him and I’m proud of him.”
Hays maintained momentum as it jumped out to an early lead in the extra period.
But with a one point lead with 30 seconds to play, Hays made a mistake in fouling Akins’ Bailey, giving him two shots from the foul line.
He sank both free throws and Hays was unable to score another buzzer-beater to win.v
