Boys Hoops - Derry vs Freeport

December 20, 2019

Derry Boys Top Freeport in 59-57 Thriller to Open Conference Schedule

Tyson Webb calmly hit both shots of a one-and-one with .4 seconds remaining and the game deadlocked, giving Derry a 59-57 win in a home section battle with Freeport on Friday, December 20.

The game was a tight back-and-forth battle from the opening tip, with both teams taking leads by several points at numerous times, only to soon be reigned back in by their opponent.

Derry led the opening quarter by an 11-8 margin, only to be outscored 16-13 by the Yellowjackets in the second.

With the score knotted at 24 to start the second half, Derry moved back on top with a 19-17 margin in the third quarter to lead 43-41 with one quarter to play.

The fourth quarter was a slugfest, as three point shots and three point plays from one team were matched by the other. Tied at 46 with six and a half minutes to play, Freeport went on a mini run, jumping out to a 52-46 lead before Derry scored at the four minute mark to pull within 4 points. Following two points by Freeport and three more by Derry, the Trojans' Tanner Nicely's bucket pulled Derry within one at 54-53. When Sam Jones hit two free throws for his only points of the game, Derry had a 55-54 lead with just under two minute to play. Aidan Bushey came back with a quick steal and layup, and the Trojans were on top 57-54 with under 1:40 left in the quarter. But Freeport responded when Matt Aulicino hit a layup and was fouled with 49.9 seconds left, and his converted free throw knotted the contest at 57.

Freeport was in position to win with under 15 seconds to play when they were awarded the alternate possession as Ryan Bushey was tied up. But as time wound down, Derry's Tyson Webb moved in for a steal, and as he raced down court was fouled with .4 seconds left on the clock. Webb calmly stepped to the charity stripe and hit both ends of a one-and-one, giving the Trojans a 59-57 lead. Freeport's long inbounds pass was intercepted by Derry's Ryan Bushey, and the Trojans celebrated an emotional win as the final horn sounded.

Derry's Tanner Nicely led all scorers with 23 points. Justin Huss had 12 for the Trojans before leaving the game with 2:45 to play in the second quarter after injuring his leg. Matt Aulicino led Freeport with 20 and Aiden Skradski was good for 17.

Derry improves their overall record to 2-4, with a 1-0 conference record. Freeport has a 1-4 overall record, 0-1 in conference. Derry travels to Connellsville on Monday for a non-conference game, while Freeport opens their home conference schedule against Highlands on January 3.

Watch this link for a full gallery of action photos available for purchase or sharing the day after the game.

Keywords: basketball, boys, derry, freeport, high school, westmoreland county