If you like hoops dramatics, a Section 2AAA title game between Waseca and Marshall in Minnesota was a classic for the ages.
The 103-100 Waseca victory went to four overtimes due to three buzzer beaters as the school’s battled it out to go to state. The game stretched on for over three hours and ended on a running, three-point leaner from Bluejays Cole Streich.
Cole Streich with the game winner!!!Waseca wins 103-100. Jays headed to state. pic.twitter.com/Fnn9k9fkht
— WCN Sports (@WCNSports) March 4, 2016
That was impressive, but the game was filled with ridiculous shots. Nick Dufault hit this unbelievable full-court prayer buzzer-beater to send the game to a fourth overtime earlier in the game.
Dufault just hit a full court 3!!! Oh my goodness. Tie game. Fourth overtime . pic.twitter.com/Kyrv5aQICB
— WCN Sports (@WCNSports) March 4, 2016
“It was so surreal,” Dufault told the Waseca County News of the shot. “I don’t know how else to put it, I’m so thankful.”
“When you’re down 3, there’s really nothing else you can do in that moment,” said Dufault. “It’s meant to be I guess.”
It wasn’t just big shots that contributed to Waseca’s first state birth since 2002, as a late score off an Elijah Carter offensive rebound on a missed free throw gave Waseca a 1 point lead near the end of regulation. Freshman Malik Willingham also hit six 3-pointers. Head coach Todd Default said the supporting cast was huge in the victory.
“Talk about a team victory,” coach Todd Dufault said. “That’s why we’re going to state. The supporting cast. You can go right down the line of the guys that played tonight and they all came up with a big steal, a big rebound, a big shot. That’s why we were in a position to win.”
Dufault should be proud of his team, as should Marshall’s head coach. The two teams played their hearts out, and unfortunately, someone had to lose. Sports can be amazing.
