While Carson Jindra made just one basket during the seventh-grade boys game against Medford on February 11, it was the winner in a 29-28 Clipper victory.
Jindra launched the shot just before the final buzzer and from behind the arc.
“The play was to Bray (Lassiter) down low. We only needed two,” said coach Connor Sanchez. “But Carson let it rip, and we’re done.”
The Clippers were leading 20-12 in the second half when the Tigers, driving in layups, went on a 13-point rampage.
Chase Roemhildt pulled down an offensive rebound and put it directly back up for a basket to halt the rally. After Lassiter rebounded and scored, the Clippers were within a point, 25-24.
As the game wound down, the Tigers put in a jumper, but Lassiter hauled in another O rebound and hoisted it back up for a bucket.
Still trailing 27-26, the Clippers had 1:14 left to find a way to win.
The first 73 seconds weren't at all productive for the Clippers. The Tigers stole but missed a free shot. After, the Clippers, trying to set up a go-ahead basket, backed up over the halfcourt line for a turnover.
A little later, the Clippers sent Medford to the foul line. The shot caromed off the rim, but the Tigers were there for the rebound, got fouled again and put in the second of two free shots to go in front 28-26 with 12.3 seconds left.
But after taking a pass from Jonathan Cink, Jindra, poised at the top of the key, buried the game winner.
With seven Cink points in their mix, the Clippers led 13-10 at the break. After the Tigers put in a bucket from the baseline to start the second half, Cink scored the next seven points before the Tigers went on the big run.
Cink paced the Clippers with 14 points. Tyler Smith put in two first-half baskets but injured his wrist before halftime. He made a brief comeback in the second half but didn’t return when he fell on his wrist with the Clippers trailing 25-24. Lassiter made a basket in the first half and two in the second for six total points. Roemhildt chipped in a bucket.
The seventh-grade boys close their season on Thursday when they road trip to St. Clair for a 4:30 game.
Above: Carson Jindra is congratulated by his teammates after his game-winning triple.
