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Buzzer-beater lifts Gwynn Park over Largo 59-58
Buzzer-beater lifts Gwynn Park over Largo
Sophomore's last-second jumper keeps Yellow Jackets perfect in league
Gwynn Park's Brandon Ford had been in this situation before: down by a point, five seconds left and the game in his hands.
And just like he has done before, the sophomore lifted his team to victory.
Ford raced down the court and made a jumper at the buzzer to lift the Gwynn Park High School boys' basketball team past Largo, 59-58, Friday night at Largo High School.
"This is a typical Gwynn Park-Largo game," Gwynn Park coach Mike Glick said. "I think this is the best rivalry in the county."
The victory was the Yellow Jackets' 28th straight in the County 3A/2A/1A League. Their last league loss came in February 2007 at Largo. But as time wound down on Friday night, it looked like the streak would come to an end on the very same floor.
Gwynn Park had the ball and led, 57-56, with 11 seconds remaining. But Largo's Aaron Martin stole an inbound pass and made a layup to give the Lions the lead, 58-57, with five seconds remaining.
"Five seconds to go and you're up one you think you are going to win," Largo coach Lewis Howard said. "You just never know what's going to happen."
What happened was that Ford did what he has done numerous times during his young basketball career. Glick said Ford made several game-winning shots with his AAU team and has delivered clutch shots for the Yellow Jackets this year.
So when the final play was being drawn up, there was no doubt in Glick's mind who was getting the ball.
"The play turned out just how we wanted it," Glick said. "We wanted the ball in Brandon's hand coming down the sideline. He had the option to pass it to Keith [Thomas] or take it himself."
Ford said he didn't feel any extra pressure being in that situation.
"The play was designed to go to Keith because he was making all the 3-pointers, but I figured they would overplay him," he said. "Once I figured that out, I just decided to take it myself."
Thomas led the Yellow Jackets (9-3, 8-0) with 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Corey Anderson was next with 15 points, while Ford added eight.
Malik Thomas scored 15 points to lead the Lions (6-5, 4-4). Martin added 14 points, while Rashard Richardson chipped in 11 and Marcel Lane scored 10.
Gwynn Park's win, coupled with Friendly's 97-90 victory against Potomac on Friday, sets up another marquee matchup next week. Gwynn Park and Friendly both are 8-0 in the County 3A/2A/1A League and will meet at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at Gwynn Park High.
Gwynn Park 59, Largo 58
Gwynn Park (9-3, 8-0): Corey Anderson 15, Maurice Peavy 3, Keith Thomas 16, Brian Blue 6, Brandon Ford 8, Tion Coates 4, Cory Williams 3, Ryan Woodard 4.
Largo (6-5, 4-4): Marcel Lane 10, Rashard Richardson 11, Aaron Martin 14, E.J. Olumese 1, Malik Thomas 15, Brandon Bailey 3, Damonte McNeil 4.
Rebounds: Gwynn Park 37, Largo 31.
Assists: Gwynn Park 12, Largo 8.
Halftime: Largo 34, Gwynn Park 30.