Buzzer Beater Closes March Madness Game

By Tim Hance

This last weekend was a real thriller!  Here’s the video that captured a very special moment in the boys’ game: OCSMarchMadness3/3/13.

The OCS Saints’ Boys and Girls Basketball Clubs faced off against stiff competition from select mainland teams this past weekend at the Island March Madness Tournament held at the Orcas Christian School on Sunday, March 3rd. The Lady Saints battled Bellingham Prostock AAU 8th ultimately falling 38-26; highlights included 14 points from Maddy Hance, 5 steals by Aliza Diepenbrock and 23 team rebounds which was impressive against Bellingham’s two (2) players over 6 feet tall underneath. The Lady Saints went onto a nail biter against Mt. Vernon 8th AAU ultimately losing in the final moments 36-32. Maddy Hance contributed 19 points, Eve Hance 9 points, Madi Jane West and Adia Dolan contributed 5 rebounds each.

The OCS Saints boys team won both contests against Skagit Adventist to bring their record to 3-3. The first game was dominated by OCS and all players got lots of playing time. Ryan Flint lead all scorers with 8 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Elliot Claus followed with 7 points and 7 rebounds. Cyrus Amour and Skylar Gregg had monstrous games underneath, combining for 6 blocked shots underneath that put the crowds on their feet; Cyrus also had 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Brothers Cameron and Cory Aragon combined for three 3-point shots, effectively stretching the Timberwolves defense. Final score was 39-31. The second game of the double header was much closer and will go down as one for the record books. Ryan Flint lead all scorers with 20 points, 17 rebounds, 4 steals. Elliot Claus followed with 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, and 4 points. This game was tight to the end. Down by 4 points with less than a minute remaining, OCS brought the game to within one point, 36-37 with just 1.6 seconds remaining. Ryan Flint hit the inbounds game-winning shot at the buzzer to seal the win 38-37. The bleachers emptied onto the court in celebration.

Sportsmanship awards were presented after each contest to players on the opposing team who demonstrated the best sportsmanship and a Championship Trophy was presented to Bellingham Prostock 8th AAU. Concessions included nachos, chili, Caesar salad, popcorn, and lots of baked goods and snacks. Thanks to the community for supporting these young athletes and filling the gym.

The next March Madness Tournament is this Sunday, March 10th, at OCS. The Lady Saints will face off against Mt. Vernon 8th AAU. The OCS Saints boys’ team will face off in a double-elimination tourney against Granite Falls 7th/8th Select and Mt. Vernon 7th/8th AAU. Games start at 10:15am and run all day Sunday. Call OCS at 376-6683 for specific game times.