Cedar Rapids Washington’s Last-Second Three-Pointer Secures Overtime Win against Cedar Rapids Kennedy
In a thrilling boys’ basketball game, Cedar Rapids Washington emerged victorious with a last-second three-pointer in overtime to defeat Cedar Rapids Kennedy. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams.
The game reached an intense climax when Mick McCurry, a 6-foot-6 senior wing for Washington, made a crucial three-point play with just three seconds remaining in overtime. McCurry initially caught the ball in the corner, faked a shot, and then drove the lane. Kennedy’s Tyler Andrews attempted to draw an offensive foul, but the referee ruled it as a block. McCurry’s shot found the net, and he was subsequently fouled. He converted the resulting free throw, sealing the victory for the Washington Warriors. McCurry finished the game with an impressive total of 19 points.
Reflecting on the crucial play, McCurry shared, They came out in the 1-3-1 zone, and what was open was the corner… The ball ended up in my hands, and I tried to do what I could do. Fortunately, it did go in. The Washington coach, Justin Decker, acknowledged the close nature of the call, stating, It’s a 50-50 thing… I have a lot of respect for what Kennedy does and how hard those kids play. It feels really good, obviously, to be on this side of it for once.
For much of the game, Kennedy held the lead, even extending it to eight points in the third quarter. However, Washington staged an impressive comeback, with Imanuel Rowland’s three-pointer giving the Warriors a 58-52 advantage with only 1:30 left on the clock. Yet Kennedy fought back, capitalizing on turnovers and missed free throws by Washington to tie the game and force overtime.
In the extra period, both teams missed their initial shots before Washington called a timeout with 16 seconds remaining. Despite their efforts to secure a good shot, Washington was unable to find one. Importantly, they didn’t rush or force a bad shot, instead focusing on working for layups and potential fouls. This patient approach ultimately paid off, allowing McCurry to hit the winning shot.
Jack Wetzel was Kennedy’s top scorer, registering an impressive 22 points. However, foul trouble limited Tyler Andrews to just 10 points, all of which came in the first half. Ross Snitker and Jamar Thurmon contributed significantly to Washington’s victory, with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Both coaches acknowledged the challenges of the game. Kennedy’s coach, Jon McKowen, noted the difficulty his team faced in executing their offensive plays due to loud crowd noise. He stated, We always talk about don’t put yourself into positions for a human call… We think about the things we can control. Meanwhile, Washington’s coach, Justin Decker, commended Kennedy for their efforts and expressed relief at being on the winning side for once.
The game was a testament to the exciting nature of high school basketball, showcasing the talent and determination of both teams. While the outcome favored Cedar Rapids Washington this time, Kennedy put up a valiant fight. Both teams demonstrated skill, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the game, creating an intense and thrilling atmosphere on the court.
As the final buzzer sounded, it was Cedar Rapids Washington who celebrated an unforgettable victory. The three-pointer by Mick McCurry with just seconds remaining will surely be remembered as a defining moment in this thrilling overtime contest.
