McDaniel’s buzzer-beater lifts ACCS past rival Cathedral, 46-44

Published 12:16 am Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Despite the memorable win, ACCS was stuck with some bad news as sharp-shooting junior will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

“She’s smart, steady, and she’s been with us a while,” Hall said. “The kids were upset about it. They’ve been together forever and now she’s gone (for the year).”

Brianna Henson led the Lady Rebels with 16 points, and Shelby Mason and Bailey Boyd each had seven.

Caroline Kaiser and Natalie Fletcher chipped in with 8 points apiece for the Lady Green Wave.

“They earned it in the end,” Arnold said. “It’s a heart breaker, no doubt. But you want it to hurt … If you’re going to lose, I want to lose that way than get beat by 20.We’ll regroup.”

ACCS 56 (boys), CHS 34

Julian Wilson had 19 points and Darius Demby had 16, and ACCS raced to a 56-34 win over Cathedral in boys basketball action Tuesday.

“We just kept playing hard,” ACCS coach Richy Spears said. “We got a couple of easy baskets, finally made some layups in the second half, we don’t quit.”

An 18-5 third quarter broke open a 25-18 ACCS (2-2) halftime lead.

“We just had to take care of the basketball and be patient,” Spears said. “Once we made a run, they had to come out of the lane and pressure the ball more, and we were able to get to the middle.”

A night after scoring 53 points against Trinity Episcopal, the Cathedral offense failed to carry the momentum over into Tuesday’s rivalry contest.

“Offensively, I don’t know what happened between last night and tonight,” CHS coach Matthew Hall said. “Personally, I thought it was more of an effort thing. We kind of got down ourselves and started rushing 3-point shots. Mostly, I just think the effort in the second half was not there.”

Connor Mire led the Green Wave with 14 points and 13 rebounds while William Doss had nine points.

Cathedral will attempt to reverse its fortune Friday night when it hosts Simpson Academy.

“We haven’t been able to get in the gym (for practice) since the middle of last week,” Hall said. “We’re going to practice (Wednesday) and Thursday and work on some things. We have to continue to execute the offense. We have to slow the game down and make good passes.”

ACCS, meanwhile, will travel Thursday to face Silliman Institute.

“I thought defensively tonight was the best we’ve played,” Spears said. “This was our fourth game. I feel like every game we’re going to get better. We’ve been able to get everyone to practice, and the more we’re together, the better we’re going to get.”