CHETOPA — This whole nail-biting thriller thing has become old hat for Marmaton Valley High’s boys.
The Wildcats won their third consecutive heart-stopping victory Tuesday, this one undecided until Nathan Smart hit 1 of 2 free throws with 15 seconds left in overtime.
The Wildcats then wisely used up its available fouls to prevent host Chetopa from advancing the ball upcourt, to the point the Hornets were unable to get up much of a final shot from halfcourt as time expired.
The Wildcats’ 36-35 overtime win marks Marmaton Valley’s fifth win in a row, and the third straight by two points or less.
“Hopefully, games like this can continue giving us confidence,” Wildcat coach Tim Stinnett said.
Both teams were willing to work the ball around methodically on extended possessions, which led to a nip-and-tuck game throughout.
Marmaton Valley led 10-8 after one quarter before Chetopa forged in front 19-16 at halftime and 28-25 after three quarters. The Wildcats went on a 9-4 run to lead 34-32 late in regulation, before Chetopa’s Austen Sanders scored at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
Marmaton Valley’s Cole Becker led the way with 24 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Smart added seven points and six rebounds. Lucas Hamlin followed with four points, five rebounds, two steals and five other deflections that led to steals. Ryan Smith chipped in with four rebounds and four assists.
“I was happy with our poise down the stretch,” Stinnett said. “I just hope I don’t get some gray hair over this.”
Because of an ongoing flu bug affecting Chetopa’s student population, the junior varsity game was canceled, and the girls varsity game was postponed until Thursday.
Marmaton Valley then travels to Pleasanton Friday.
MV boys bring March Madness to February
