Schools
Chamberlain Boys Win District Basketball Final in a Thriller
Reggie Hart's last second layup earns hard fought 45-43 victory against Sickles.
Chamberlain High School’s Reggie Hart scored a game-winning basket Friday night as time expired giving the Chiefs a thrilling 45-43 victory against Sickles High to win the Class 5A-District 9 boys basketball title.
Hart, who moments earlier had travelled giving the ball to Sickles with six seconds to play, stole the inbounds pass near midcourt and dribbled in alone for the layup as the buzzer sounded.
The victory advanced the Chiefs (22-2) to the regional quarterfinal against Port Charlotte at home Thursday at 7 p.m. Sickles travels to Charlotte Thursday night at 7.
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After leading by three points following the first quarter, Chamberlain trailed by seven at halftime, 23-16. Sickles still led by five entering the frantic final period. But led by Eric Storts’ game-high 26 points, including five three-pointers, and Hart’s key steal, the Chiefs rallied for the victory.
Sickles tied the game on a 3-pointer by Joseph Broner with 15 seconds to play, then forced Chamberlain into a turnover when Hart travelled. Following a timeout, Broner threw an inbounds pass near midcourt toward Daniel Harris. But Hart cut in front of Harris to make the steal and sailed in untouched for the winning shot.
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“Eric made some big shots at big times, and Reggie made a big defensive play on that steal,” a jubilant Chamberlain coach Christopher Snyder said. “We knew it would be this type of game because Sickles doesn’t score a lot of points. They’re disciplined enough that you’re going to have to play their style of game, to a certain extent.”
Hart finished with seven points for the Chiefs.
Sophomore Ariel Martinez also played a huge role, holding Sickles’ high scoring Reshawn Rembert to 10 points.
“His defensive effort on Rembert gave us a chance to win the game,” Snyder said.
Center Eric Floyd added 11 for the Gryphons inside.
“Our guys deserve this,” Snyder said. “They fought for everything they got this year. They put forth the time, the effort and the dedication. It’s an enjoyable group of kids to coach.”