Westminster wins on half-court shot
MIAMI — Over the past two years, Zach Scott has developed a reputation for making big plays with the game on the line.
While the stakes weren’t quite as high as a state title game, the Florida Gulf Coast signee opened his senior season with one the more improbable shots of his career.
After North Miami had just tied Westminster Academy 69-69 on a 3-pointer with three seconds left in double overtime, Scott took the inbounds pass and a sank a half-court buzzerbeater to give the defending state champs a 72-69 win at the HoopHall Invitational in Miami.
“Nothing shocks me with Zach anymore,” said Lions coach Ehren Wallhoff. “Whether it be this amazing half-court shot here or doing some of the things he did last year, taking us to state. He’s just one of those kids that makes plays.”
Scott finished with a game-high 26 points in the matchup, which was played at AmericanAirlines Arena. Junior guard Chase Johnston added 20, while sophomore guard Dudley Blackwell scored 16.
“[I was thinking] just get the shot up, no matter what kind. Just at least get one up,” said Scott. “I actually Ehren Wallhoff, Westminster coach on Zach Scott’s half-court shot at the buzzer
turned my head to see what the ref had called and when I turned around, I saw it went in.”
In the afternoon game, Westminster raced out to a 32-25 halftime lead, but North Miami stormed back to take a three-point lead into the final quarter.
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Wilvens Fleurizard led the Colts with 20 points, while Ken Lucien added 11.
The Victors jumped out to an immediate first quarter lead and never looked back. Miami Christian led 20-12 at the end of the first quarter thanks to its fast, up-tempo offense. Coral Springs cut it to 28-27 with three minutes left in the second quarter, but a 14-3 Miami Christian run to end the half pushed the lead back out.
Coral Springs, which captured the Class 8A state championship in 2016, is hoping for a return to Lakeland after falling in the regional finals last season.
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