The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Jordan Prince William Falcons senior boys’ basketball team continues to soar high yet again above the remainder of the field in the BAISS with their second consecutive league title.

In a thrilling 57-54 finish, the Falcons outlasted the SAC Big Red Machine at Kendal Isaacs Gym on Wednesday night.

The final minute featured three lead changes before the Falcons were able to pull ahead for good. SAC’s Johnathan Johnson made a three pointer from the left wing to give his team a 54-53 lead with 48 seconds left to play.

The Falcons would reclaim the lead on the ensuing possession when Marshall tipped in a missed three pointer with 30 seconds left to play. After the Big Red Machine failed to score, Darius Lewis corralled a rebound and found Frantwion Newton wide open on the opposite end of the floor for a fastbreak layup to seal the win.

The Falcons were led by Adam Johnson and Newton who both finished with 16 points and Marshall added eight.

Johnson, the team’s leading rebounder said he was surprised to have his point guard sneak into a paint and grab the rebound to put home what turned out to be the game winner.

“He surprised me, I thought I had it, but I’m happy he was there for that score and to make that play,” Johnson said, “It feels good to win back to back. This team is always willing to fight, no matter the situation and we just want to keep this going. This championship is great, but we know we still have more work to do.”

Justin Burrows led a balanced Big Red Machine scoring attack with 17 points, Johnathan Johnson scoed 11, Joel Johnson scored nine and Cornelius Clyde added eight.

Like they did in game one, the Big Red Machine were in control for nearly the entirety of the first half.

They opened the game on an early 10-4 run and forced the Falcons into early foul trouble. After a 32-point performance in game one, Newton was forced to the sideline early with two quick fouls and Falcons head coach Ernest Saunders was forced to go to his bench early and often. SAC was able to take a 12-7 lead at the end of the first.

The Falcons went on a 10-6 run in the second quarter to pull within one, 18-17, with just over two minutes left to play in the half. SAC would eventually take a 23-19 lead into the half.

The Big Red Machine would have a response for every run the Falcons would make in the third. Leading 27-24, A Higgs three pointer from the wing sparked an 13-3 run as they took control. SAC took a 40-27 lead, their biggest of the game, with under two minutes left to play in the quarter. That vaunted Falcons defence came alive and completely changed the complexion of the game in the final minute of the third and set the tone for the comeback finish in the fourth. The Big Red Machine led 41-31 with 55 seconds left but a series of turnovers allowed the Falcons back into the game. Lewis stole the inbounds pass to score and the Falcons closed on an incredible 9-2 run. SAC would take just a 43-40 lead into the fourth.

The fourth quarter would eventually play out as a scoring duel between Johnathan Johnson and Newton before the late game heroics saw the Falcons pull ahead.

In the last two years the Falcons have captured two senior boys, one junior boys and one senior girls title.