Sir Patrick Reynolds tipped in a missed foul shot at the buzzer Wednesday night to give the Wharton High boys basketball team the championship of the Northeast Christmas Invitational over Lakewood, 43-41.
"It came to me and I knew I had it," Reynolds said.
"I knew I made the shot. Coach told me if it comes to me to take it."
Wildcats coach Tommy Tonelli confirmed Reynolds' claim.
"Absolutely, I told them if the ball came to them to take it — and don't foul!"
Reynolds' basket capped a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Wildcats when it seemed they were doomed for a loss.
With his team trailing, 41-40, Troy Holston was fouled on a layup attempt along the baseline with 1.1 seconds left.
He made the first of two, setting up Reynolds' heroics.
Wharton struggled in the second half with Lakewood's 2-3 zone, unable to penetrate the packed-in defense.
However, Wharton's defense did not struggle and forced turnovers, including one that turned the game.
With the Spartans leading 35-28 with less than 4 minutes to play, Patrick Mauri grabbed a loose ball and slammed it one-handed.
He was fouled, and a technical foul on Lakewood also was called. Mauri sank all three free throws to narrow Lakewood's lead to 35-33.
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