Francois’ FT boosts Tigers

Blanche Ely defeats Mater Academy in 8A regional final; Stranahan wins in 6A

Blanche Ely’s Tyrecke Francois made the front end of a one-andone with less than a second remaining after he was fouled 60 feet from his own basket, and the Tigers won an 8A boys basketball regional final 57-54 over host Mater Academy in Hialeah Gardens.

On the deciding play, with the score tied at 54-54 and 2.5 seconds to play, Mater (17-7) threw an inbounds pass from its own baseline into the frontcourt, but Francois intercepted the pass. However, Mater’s Malik Reneau inexplicably grabbed Francois, resulting in a foul and setting up the gamedeciding free throw.

“I was nervous, but I knew my team needed me and I knew I had to come out and execute,” said Francois of his winning free throw.

Ely (23-6) added a pair of free throws after Mater was assessed a technical foul for calling a timeout when it had no timeouts remaining.

The Tigers, led by Francois’ 22 points, scored 20 consecutive points in the first half, opening a 37-17 lead late in the first half before the Lions started their monumental comeback.

After cutting the deficit to nine to start the final quarter, Mater used a 12-0 lead to take a 54-51 lead with just over a minute to play.

During that run, Reneau, who finished with a game-high 24 points, jammed a highlight reel dunk to tie it at 51-all and send the home crown into a frenzy.

Trailing 54-51, Joshua Scott’s follow-up basket for Ely made it 54-53 with 44 seconds to play and MarkAnthony McReed made the first of two free throws to tie it at 54 with 3.2 seconds remaining before McReed missed the second free throw, which was rebounded by Mater, setting up the gamedeciding inbounds pass.

Ely advances to play Windermere Friday in the state semifinals.