Boys Hoops - GCC vs Clairton

January 13, 2020

Nate Ward's Long-Range Trey Secures GCC Boys 66-65 OT Win over Clairton

After being held scoreless for the entire second half, Greensburg Central Catholic senior Nate Ward drained a long-range three-pointer in the final seconds of overtime to give the Centurions a thrilling 66-65 win over visiting Clairton on Monday, January 13, in front of a spirited crowd in Carbon.

The game was fairly close throughout, with each team taking turns leading. Clairton led 18-15 after one quarter but the Centurions came back to lead 33-27 at intermission. Clairton cut the margin to one after three quarters, with GCC out front 43-42 heading to the fourth.

But the fourth quarter wouldn't bring the end of the contest, as Clairton cut into a 52-48 GCC lead at the 4 minute mark, eventually closing to 57-56 with under 30 seconds to play. When Clairton's Kenlein Ogletree hit a foul shot to tie it at 57 with under 20 seconds to play, GCC had a shot to win it. But an Ogletree steal and a pair of missed shots sent the game to extra time at 57-57.

GCC scored first in overtime to go on top 59-57, but Clairton jumped in front on a three-pointer seconds later to lead 60-59. As time wound down to the final minute, Clairton led 64-63 as GCC had the ball setting up for a final shot, only to have a Clairton steal and GCC foul put Don Napper on the line to shoot two. Napper connected on one, and GCC had only five seconds to respond. Enter Nate Ward, who took the inbounds pass, dribbled to in front of his team bench, and fired the shot that hit nothing but twine as the horn sounded. The celebration was enthusiastic and immediate, as the GCC bench stormed the court while the dejected Bears stood in stunned amazement.

Ben LaCarte led GCC with 21 points. Christian McGowan and Brevan Williams added 12 each for the Centurions. Don Napper led Clairton with 23 points while Brendan Parsons had 20.

GCC trails 6-0 Imami Christian in the standings with a 6-1 record in Class 1A Section 3 play, and holds a 9-4 overall record. Clairton is right behind at 5-2 in section, 7-4 overall.

GCC hosts St Joseph next on 1/17. Clairton will play a home game with Steel Valley on 1/15.