Keep it right here as Grafton’s boys will look to clinch a spot in the Group AA Division 4 state championship game for a second-straight year today when they take on Region III runner-up E.C. Glass at VCU’s Siegel Center in Richmond.
The winner will advance to play Salem in Saturday’s state final. We’ll have the full story later, but for now, keep it right here for live updates.
Group AA Division 4 Boys Basketball Semifinal
Who: Region I champion Grafton (27-2) vs. Region III Runner-up E.C. Glass (20-8)
When: Wednesday, March 6th., 1 p.m.
Where: VCU’s Siegel Center (Richmond)
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Looking like things will get underway here around 12:55.
Grafton brought quite a crowd, as athletic director Laura Sutton said roughly 300 students received excused absences to attend. Lots of parents and fans, too.
FIRST QUARTER
Tyler McMillan has Grafton’s first four points of the game, but Clippers trail 6-4
Clippers having trouble finding offensive groove early. 1-4 from field with 2 TOs, but still down just 6-4.
Back-to-back buckets from Jesse Santiago and Evan Sperling, then two free throws from Elijah Moore put Clippers up 10-6.
Grafton leads 13-11 on two free throws from Sperling.
Santiago’s and-one layup followed by Tyus Brown’s jumper makes it 16-13, Grafton.
After Miller hits 1-2 from the line, John Osinga scores inside for E.C. Glass with 4 seconds left in the 1Q.
Grafton holds 17-15 lead after one.
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SECOND QUARTER
Moore opens the period with a 3 from the wing, Grafton leads 20-15.
Clippers went up 24-15 on 4-4 mark from FT line by Moore and McMillan, but 8-0 run by Hilltoppers cuts lead to 24-22.
Back-to-back 3s from McMillan and Moore stretch Grafton’s lead to eight, 30-22.
Exciting sequence: McMillan crossover sends Glass defender to the floor, then vicious block by Hilltoppers’ 6’9 Karl Overstreet on Sperling. Results in two free throws from Moore as Clippers lead 32-24 with 40 seconds left in half
After a missed 3 by Moore with 10 seconds left in the 2Q, Glass’ Raekwon Crater clanks a wide-open dunk attempt off the back of the rim. Grafton’s lead remains 32-24 at halftime.
HALFTIME LEADERS: Grafton- Moore (12 points, 6 rebounds), McMillan (9 pts, 3 reb). Clippers shooting 8-20 from the floor (4-10 from 3PT land).
E.C. Glass- Overstreet (6 pts, 4 reb), Bateman (7 pts, 3 reb)
THIRD QUARTER
E.C. Glass picking up defensive intensity to start second, 13-6 run to start the third and cut Grafton’s lead to two, 39-37
Moore’s 3-pointer at third quarter buzzer just short. Grafton still leads 39-37 heading into the final quarter.
6’7 Overstreet had 6 points, 3 reb to pace Hilltoppers in the 3Q
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FOURTH QUARTER
Sperling cleans up miss inside to open the final eight minutes and put Grafton ahead 41-37
Good start to the fourth defensively for Grafton: holding Glass scoreless for first 3 min of the quarter on 2 forced TOs, and 0-3 shooting from floor. Grafton ahead 43-27 on Santiago’s layup
Just like that, it’s all tied 43-43. Back-to-back Glass 3-pointers from Bateman then Shawn Brown. 3:51 to play in regulation
Grafton regains lead on McMillan’s elbow jumper (45-43), then forces turnover on other end….but turn it right back over.
Glass’ Jermaine Mayo misses his fourth consecutive free-throw of the quarter (0-4), Grafton calls timeout with possession and 2:22 to play.
McMillan stripped at half-court, leads to easy layup for Glass’ Jones to tie things 45-45. Grafton missed shot on the other end gives possession back to Hilltoppers with 1:03 left on the clock. Timeout Glass with inbounds coming under the basket.
Clippers’ defense prevails, forced missed shot at the buzzer to force overtime.
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OVERTIME
Grafton wins possession, Moore gets OT started with tough finish at the front of the rim. Clippers lead 47-45
Glass 0-2 to start overtime, Clippers hold possession still ahead 47-45 with 2:46 left in the extra period.
Glass’ Overstreet fouled on rebound, sinks 2-2 from the line to tie the game 47-47.
Another Grafton foul puts Glass on the line with a chance to take the lead
Jones connects on 1-2 from the stripe to put Hilltoppers on top 48-47 with under two minutes to play.
Moore fouled on the other end but misses both attempts. Grafton down 48-47 with 1:40 to play.
Sperling draws a big charge for Grafton, Clippers take possession with 1:10 to play.
After McMillan miss, Santiago comes up with HUGE steal, converts layup to give Grafton 49-48 lead.
Clippers force Glass missed shot, but turn it over on ensuing inbounds pass… then McMillan steals it right back, fouled, headed to the line with 12 seconds remaining and Grafton ahead 49-48.
McMillan sinks both to put Grafton ahead by 3 (51-48) with 12 seconds left. TO Glass to draw up potential game-tying 3-pointer.
Glass’ last-second heave no good, Grafton holds on for 51-48 victory. Advance to play Salem at 9 p.m. in the Division 4 state championship.
