Kelly's Last Second Block Preserves Cardinals Win

CCBC Catonsville's men's basketball team survived a wild contest against the Hagerstown Hawks on Friday, as a last-second block by sophomore guard Jo-Nathan Kelly (Strawberry Mansion) ensured a 72-70 victory.

Facing one of the tougher teams in Region 20, the Cardinals relied on their defense to get the job done. Trailing 33-32 after the first half, the Cardinals forced 16 turnovers to cut the deficit. Neither team was able to pull away from the other though, as the Cardinals' largest lead was just eight points. Hagerstown's largest lead was only seven.

It became clear in the second half that whoever had the last possession would win the game. The final six minutes saw the lead change hands eight times, four of which came in the final two minutes. Hagerstown took a one-point lead with 53 seconds left, but Catonsville immediately responded. Freshman guard Micah Morgan (West Nottingham) scored on a layup to give the Cardinals a 71-70 lead. With 16 seconds left, the Hawks pulled up for a crucial basket. It missed, and sophomore forward Albright Obode (Plainfield) was fouled as he grabbed the layup. Obode scored on one of his two free throws, giving the Hawks one last chance to win it.

With seconds left, Hagerstown's Mason Sword stepped back to try a game-winning three-pointer. Kelly lunged and tipped the ball at the last second, blocking the shot and clinching a huge win for the Cardinals.

Kelly finished with 22 points on the night, along with three rebounds and two blocks. Sophomore guard Murray Grant (Obra D. Tomkins) was the leading scorer with 23 points, while freshman guard Lance Porter (Randallstown) added 13 points and seven rebounds from the bench. Obode finished with 19 rebounds and eight points.