CUMBERLAND – Greely finally got a close game to go its way. With high school basketball teams jockeying for playoff positions, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

In a back-and-forth game, Greely (8-4) milked its one-point lead late in the game by running time off the clock before Liam Maker scored with 39 seconds left to give the Rangers the cushion they needed for a 65-61 Western Maine Class B boys’ win over York on Friday night.

Maker injured his ankle in practice on Wednesday and was doubtful for the game. But he got the OK and a tape job from the trainer and was on the floor playing his usual minutes.

“This feel great,” said Maker. “It’s a well-deserved win. This win is going to help us turn the corner.”

Maker, who scored 47 points in an 86-76 win over Traip on Jan. 10, finished with 18 points to lead the Rangers on Friday. All but two of his points came in the second and fourth quarters.

“My ankle felt fine. Once the adrenaline kicked in I was good. I’m not so sure how great it will feel tomorrow,” he said.

Last Saturday, Greely lost to top-ranked Falmouth by two points in double overtime. Other close losses have been by one point to Yarmouth and by three points to York.

“Our losses have been by a combined 12 points,” said Coach Ken Marks. “We’ve been talking about winning the tight games for so long, it’s become sickening. The kids played with a lot of resiliency.”

The game was tight throughout. Greely spurted to an eight-point lead midway in the third, only to have York (9-3) score the last seven points of the quarter to take a 51-50 lead into the fourth.

The Wildcats scored to open the fourth on a drive by center Aaron Todd. Seconds later, Todd collected his fourth foul and headed for the bench. Greely stayed aggressive on offense, drawing fouls to get to the line. The Rangers made 10 of 14 from the line in the fourth and outscored the Wildcats 15-10.

Maker scored six in the quarter. His lone basket came off a miss by a driving Nick Clark after the Rangers had run 1:16 off the clock. It gave Greely a 62-59 lead.

“The ball came off the rim and I was right there to tip it in,” said Maker.

After Maker added a free throw, Zach Leal scored for the Wildcats with 21 seconds left to make it a two-point game. Jonah Normandeau, who came off the bench for Greely, made the second of two from the line with 18 seconds left. The Wildcats had one last hope, but James McCafferty’s desperation 3-point heave wasn’t close.

Maker made one more from the line to complete the scoring. Greely had a 7-2 scoring edge in the final 2:21.

The game matched a pair of talented 6-foot-7 pivots in Todd, a junior, and Michael McDevitt, a sophomore. Both finished with 17 points.

“We played hard,” said York Coach Randy Small. “But we have to work on finishing games. Give Greely credit. They played well and got the win.”

Bailey Train of Greely hit three 3-pointers and had 13 points.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH

 

Copy the Story Link