Boca pair combines to score 58 points in victory
BOCA RATON It’s been an up-and-down season for Boca Raton, but when Max Demeus and Cade Long are on, the Bobcats are tough to stop.
Demeus went for a game-high 33 points and Long scored 25 — including the game-winning free throws with 8 seconds left — to hold off a ferocious Atlantic comeback and pick up a key 77-75 district win.
The Bobcats led by 18 points in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles stormed back in the final frame, setting the stage for a hectic finish. Trailing, 75-72, with 15 seconds left, Bradley Renaud drilled a three-pointer to tie the contest. The Eagles nearly stole the inbounds pass, but fouled Long with 8 seconds remaining.
The Rollins commit stepped to the line and calmly drained both free throws.
“It was just regular free throws for me,” Long said. “Just focus on making the shot — that’s the important thing. If you miss, any shot for them can be a win.
“We’ve been having trouble lately closing out fourth quarters, and that’s something we have to work on and hopefully we can do that in districts, because that’s when it really matters.”
After Long’s free throws, Atlantic (10-9, 5-3) guard Rodwens Albert was unable to connect on what would’ve been the gamewinning three, but RJ Duhart collected the rebound under the hoop. The junior nearly sent the game to overtime, but his put-back attempt rimmed out, sitting on the hoop for an agonizing moment before falling out, setting off a raucous Boca Raton celebration.
While his last-second shot didn’t connect, Duhart was sensational on the night. The 6-foot-8 junior nearly put up a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and eight blocks.
With the win, Boca Raton (11-7, 3-5) picked up momentum heading into the homestretch of the season. The Bobcats have been playing through adversity during the season after head coach Max Spinner was fired just before the start of the season. Under interim coach John Peterson, the team has rallied and could pose a major threat come playoff time in Class 8A.
With Long’s lethal longrange shooting ability and Demeus’ ability to knife through the lane with ease, the duo form a potent backcourt. The guards combined for 58 of the team’s 75 points in the victory.
“I think we’re unstoppable when [Demeus and I] are both on,” Long said. “I think no one can beat us. He’s unbelievably talented. We play really well together.”