Logan Williams hit a three pointer at the buzzer as visiting Glenvar stunned Appomattox in overtime in a Class 2, Region C basketball game Tuesday night. The Highlanders took a 63-62 win in overtime, and now advance to the regional semifinal Friday night against Radford at Pulaski County.
Tuesday’s game was a thriller. The Highlanders fell behind 11-2 at the outset but battled back to take a 33-27 lead by halftime. The second half was back and forth and loud.
“That’s a great place to play,” said Glenvar coach David Redding. “It’s an old gym with wooden bleachers and a scuffed up floor, and it’s really loud. I love gyms like that.”
The Highlanders had a chance to put the game away in regulation but a missed foul shot left the door open for the Raiders, who tied it up in the final seconds to force overtime at 58-58.
Appomattox had a 62-60 lead when the Raiders missed a foul shot with 13 seconds left in regulation. Glenvar got the rebound and called time, and Redding called for the “elevator screen.” In that play four players line up in the high post. After the ball is thrown in Williams runs the baseline and comes up the middle of the lane as two post players crash down toward the basket. That allowed Logan to lose his man and get free at the top of the key. He shot the ball just before the buzzer sounded and it went in, stunning the home crowd.
Noah Duncan led the scoring for Glenvar with 18 points, followed by Williams with 14. Adam Veverka had a dozen, Landry Gerbers had 10 and Noah Lovelace had 11 rebounds for the Highlanders.
The win gave Glenvar a 17-9 record and followed a region opening round win over Buckingham on Friday night. The Highlanders were hitting on all cylinders as they beat the Knights, 59-31, at GHS.
“That was the best we played all year, and probably our best game since we beat Martinsville last year,” said Redding. “We had great practices Wednesday and Thursday and they came out and played lights out on Friday.”
The Highlanders led 13-4 after the first quarter and 32-15 at the half. They pulled away after intermission for an impressive win. Williams had 17 points, Lovelace had 16 points and a dozen boards and Duncan had 10.
The next test will be Radford. The Bobcats have beaten Glenvar twice this year and they’re still undefeated after 25 games. Friday’s game will be played at Pulaski County High School, a neutral site, at 6 pm.
“The kids are ready,” said Redding. “They look focused and our practices have been upbeat. I like the look in their eyes. I think the seniors realize the next loss is their last.”
That’s not necessarily true if the Highlanders beat Radford Friday. That would clinch a spot in Friday’s Region C championship at the Radford University Dedmon Center at 8 pm. Both teams, winner and loser, in the championship game advance to state play.
