The Grand River Renegades nearly suffered one of the biggest fourth-quarter collapses in WCSSAA junior basketball history on Thursday afternoon.
The Rens took a 50-34 lead heading to the fourth quarter, but GRCI scored only 3 points during the first 6:15 of the final frame while CHCI put home 15 to cut things all the way down to a 53-49 lead.
A Nikola Farkic three-pointer with about :45 seconds to go, and another CHCI bucket down the stretch actually put the Gaels in front by 1 in the waning seconds.
With time ticking away, the Rens were able to get the ball to their grade 9 sensation, Jamal Murray, who hit a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to win the game 56-54 (and set off a raucous celebration by the visiting Renegades and their fans).
Murray pumped home a game-high 25 in the win. Sasha Simic had 11 and Farkic 9 for the Gaels.
The win also essentially sets up a showdown for first-place on the final day of the season, provided neither the Renegades (against Elmira) or WCI (against JHSS) slip up in their first game after the exam break.
Here are the rest of the scores from Thursday's action:
Forest Heights 43, Bluevale 36
The Trojans get past the Knights at home for an important victory that brings them back up to the .500 mark. Elijah Callendar had 14 and Tim Gadjos 8 for FHCI; Jamal John netted 11 and Ray Lin 8 for the Knights.
Eastwood 45, SJAM 37
In probably the second most intriguing game on the Thursday schedule, the Rebels picked up a big win on the road at SJAM. Ousmane Kromah poured in 16 and Tre Nicholson had 11 for the Rebs; Brett Parrott scored 13 and Nedim Hodzic had 10 for SJAM.
WCI 71, WODSS 28
No trouble for WCI in this one as they cruised past the Crusaders. Bojan Vincic (12), Abdul Mohammed (10) and Mostafa Fattah (10) were all in double figures for the Vikes, while Garner Matthews had 11 and Nick Penner 8 for W-O.
Huron Heights 36, Southwood 32
Still without Arshid Babury, the Huskies were almost upset at home by Southwood --- but they were able to pull out the win. A loss might have meant that the Huskies wouldn't even host a home playoff game, depending on how things play out the rest of the way.
KCI 52, Jacob Hespeler 37
The Raiders grabbed their 2nd win of the season and made things more interesting in the race for the final playoff positions. Stefan Simic had 23 and Jelani McLean 10 for the Raiders, while Matt Quiring netted 17 and Ethan Rudd added 8 for the Hawks.
Galt 60, Preston 29
This win by Galt means that if they can get past Southwood (3-7) and Bluevale (2-8) in their last two games, they will lock up a first-round bye. TJ Lall poured in 18 and Abraar Unia had 9 in this win; Tanner Derjugin scored 11 while Tyler Gibner added 7 for PHS.
Elmira 37, Glenview Park 27
The Lancers are at .500 after a win at home over the Panthers. Callum Johnson had 10 and Scott Carere 8 in the win; Tyler Bell had a game-high 12 for Glenview with 9 more added by Tyrell Wolf.
WCSSAA Junior Standings
1. Grand River 10-0**
2. WCI 9-1*
T3. Cameron Heights 8-2*
T3. Galt 8-2*
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T5. Eastwood 7-3*
T5. Huron Heights 7-3*
7. Preston 6-4*
T8. Elmira 5-5*
T8. Forest Heights 5-5*
T8. SJAM 5-5*
11. Southwood 3-7
T12. Jacob Hespeler 2-8
T12. Bluevale 2-8
T12. KCI 2-8
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15. WODSS 1-9
16. Glenview Park 0-10
** - clinched first-round bye
* - clinched playoff berth
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