It was a packed house last night, as the Homer varsity boys basketball team defeated McGraw 41-57 on the road.
It was a close game from the very beginning, with both Homer and McGraw keeping the score within two baskets.
Homer had an eight point lead (11-19) with about four minutes left in the second quarter, but the McGraw Eagles would rally with junior Caleb Smith leading the charge to tie the game (24-24) at the half.
Smith led the Eagles with a double-double (20 points and 10 rebounds).
“We knew that we were most likely going to be a little flat after coming out of a big win against Skaneateles,” said Homer Head Coach Rex Ryan. “We just had to play our game, slow the tempo down, play good defense, force them (McGraw) to a shot, and go out and run when we could.”
Both teams started the second half at a high level. However, Homer would take a slight edge entering the fourth quarter with a 34-39 lead.
“I thought we did a lot of good things that we can carry on forward,” said McGraw Head Coach Derek Allen. “We moved the ball really well, we were unselfish with the basketball, but we had some shots that unfortunately didn't go in.”
The Trojans extended their lead in the final quarter, after McGraw’s point guard Devon Ackley fouled out of the game.
“We have some great leaders on our team,” said Coach Ryan. “Jarrett Wilbur, Derek Fickett, and Mikyle Franklin are great guys and leaders for the team. They helped us keep composure, especially in the final minutes of the game.”
Wilbur led the Trojans with 20 points on the night. Fickett had 10, while Franklin had nine.
“We just wanted to go at them,” said Franklin. “We had a good game against Skaneateles and we wanted to bring that energy into this game. We all worked hard to get this win.”
Up next, Homer will be taking on Altmar-Parish-Williamstown on the road at 6 p.m. tonight, January 10th. McGraw will be hosting Otselic Valley on Tuesday, January 14th at 7 p.m.
Here are some more photos and video highlights of last night's game:
