Coltan Henderson’s 3-point shot from the left side with 15.6 seconds left, gave host Edinburgh the lift it needed in a thrilling 58-56 win over Greenwood Christian on Friday night.
The game was tied an astonishing seven times in the fourth quarter.
“We had two tough losses in a row with Morristown and Crothersville, and I talked to them before the game and said those tight games are going to make a difference some time,” Edinburgh coach Keith Witty said. “It made a difference. Huge win for us.”
While the game was see-saw for much of the fourth, it really didn’t look like that would be the case early on as at times, the Lancers looked to blow the game wide open, especially in the first half.
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Edinburgh (6-11) scored the first six points before the Cougars could answer. But even when they did answer, the Lancers would counter and pretty much with their defense, kept a good cushion with a six, seven- or eight-point lead.
Just like that, though, any thought of a potential blowout was nipped in the bud thanks to some adjustments from Greenwood Christian coach Jonny Marlin.
The Cougars came out with a press that immediately paid dividends, forcing two turnovers and allowing them to go on a 7-0 run before a trey by Henderson. GCA then scored 10 more points before the Lancers could answer again in the third.
Greenwood Christian outscored the Lancers 18-9, to take a two-point lead heading into the final frame.
And what a ride that fourth quarter was. In the final three minutes, both teams were clutch hitting field goals and free throws.
GCA senior Quentin Steele sank a free throw with 29 seconds left to give the Cougars a one-point lead, but only 14 seconds later, Henderson hit his clutch 3, his second of the quarter and fourth overall, to sink Cougar hearts.
“Coltan has made big shots before, and that’s why we went with him,” said Witty.
Greenwood Christian had one last chance, but couldn’t manage a shot to tie or win.
Henderson led all scorers with 18 points. Teammates Bryce Burton added 15 and Jordan Myers had 12.
The Cougars (10-8) were led by Andrew Anderson with 17 points. Champ McCorkle added 13.
Both teams are back in action tonight. Greenwood Christian travels to Seton Catholic for the PAAC third-place game, while Edinburgh hosts Cambridge City Lincoln.
