Wadsworth Sophomore Guard Jack Simmons sank a layup with 5.1 seconds remaining in overtime to lead the Grizzlies to a 52-50 victory over Firestone in the season opening game for both teams.
The Grizzlies started out slowly in the first quarter, trailing 17-8 at the end of the period. But, Wadsworth battled back in the second period and cut the lead to three points at 24-21 at halftime.
Wadsworth finally took a lead at 27-26 with 4:10 remaining in the third quarter. The teams traded leads for the remainder of the period. At the end of three quarters, it was tied at 33.
The Grizzlies finally started to pull away in the fourth quarter and had a 43-37 lead after junior guard Jake Justice hit a three-pointer with 4 minutes remaining.
Then, Wadsworth went cold. Firestone scored eight straight points to lead 45-43 with 7 seconds remaining when Wadsworth sophomore guard Carson Risher stole an inbounds pass and was fouled. Risher calmly sank the free throws to send the game into overtime.
The teams traded leads in the overtime until it was 50-50 with 50 seconds to go. Wadsworth held the ball for the final shot. The 6-3 Simmons drove down the right side of the lane and sank the layup over a Firestone defender to put the Grizzlies up by two.
Firestone’s Tre’Maine Gray dribbled to the other end of the floor and missed a 15-footer as time expired.
Gray led the Falcons in scoring with 26 points. Simmons led the Grizzlies with 11. Ryan Storad added 10. Beau Casey scored 9 points.
