White jumper lifts Springfield to title
Toolbox
Staff Report - Published: December 31, 2008
MONTPELIER – With two seconds remaining and the game tied at 47, Springfield's Grant White hit a mid-range jumper over three Hazen defenders to win the Corey Plante Memorial Tournament Tuesday night.
In a game that went back and forth all night, it was only fitting for White to end it, as he notched the last four points in a 51-47 victory. White scored 20 points in the game and 59 in the tournament and was named the Most Valuable Player.
"We battled really hard, but in the end the best player on the court ended the game," said Hazen coach Aaron Hill after his team lost for the first time this year.
With 1:52 left in the game, Billy Boyd received a bounce pass and spun toward the baseline, hitting an up-and-under layup to give the Wildcats a 47-45 lead. White took the ball down the court and missed a pull-up jumper which Boyd promptly rebounded. Up by two with 45 seconds to play, it was Hazen's game to lose, but the Wildcats turned the ball over, giving the Cosmos new life. Springfield junior Brandon Boyle (six points) took advantage, grabbing an offensive rebound and hitting a long jumper to tie the game. On the ensuing possession, with 15 seconds remaining, Boyle then stole the ball from Andrew Whitney, setting up White's game-winner.
"What more can you say about (White), he is a great player that makes everyone around him play better as well, there isn't really anything else you could ask for out of him," said Springfield coach Peter Peck.
Anthony Dana added 12 points for the Cosmos while Boyd led Hazen with 16.
Springfield improves to 6-1 and travels to Fair Haven Friday. Hazen falls to 7-1 and hosts Danville Friday.
28