Stanton Defeats Middleburg in an Overtime Thriller
Fabrizio Gowdy | Dec. 13th, 2019 | Sports
The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity boys basketball team defeated the Broncos of Middleburg High School 74-67 in overtime at home Thursday night.
“The effort was exceptional. The guys were really focused, and we found a way to get the win,” said head Coach Rob Burnett.
The Blue Devils got off to a fast start when they jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the opening minutes. Stanton held an 18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to a 7-0 run capped off by a fast break layup at the buzzer from sophomore point guard Nate Ferrer.
“My team stepped up, I stepped up, and teamwork won the game,” said Ferrer, who scored 12 first half points.
Middleburg rallied in the second quarter, scoring 26 points as it finally found its offensive rhythm; Stanton clung to a 35-34 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Stanton forced a number of turnovers and piled up transition points. However, the Blue Devils were unable to shake the visiting Broncos, who were within three points going into the fourth quarter.
“We still have to handle the closing minutes better,” said Coach Burnett.
The Broncos and Blue Devils remained even throughout the fourth quarter. With 5.6 seconds remaining, Middleburg small forward Edgard Enriquez scored a layup to tie the game at 62. The game headed to overtime after Stanton failed to get a shot up on the ensuing possession.
"Simeon [Womack] definitely came through in overtime," said senior center Nick Slunaker, who grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 10 points.
Junior point guard Simeon Womack came in clutch with a terrific overtime performance, scoring all 12 of Stanton's points. Womack made five of his six free throws and a huge three-pointer with two minutes remaining to secure the Blue Devils’ win.
“We played a good game. Everybody was moving the ball and we had five players who scored ten points or more,” said Womack, who led the team in scoring with 21 points.
Middleburg is now 3-3, while Stanton improves its record to 4-4. Thursday’s game marked the end of a three game home stand for the Blue Devils, whose next game is at Englewood High School on Dec. 17.