Boys Basketball: Pioneer knocks off rival Skyline in overtime
Friday’s game between Skyline and Pioneer, at least on paper, appeared to be an even contest. And that’s exactly how it played out on the court.
Neither team could break away and the game ended up in overtime where Pioneer scored a 60-58 win when Brady Cunningham delivered the game-winner just before the buzzer.
Skyline Coach Mike Lovelace wasn’t thrilled with the way his team played – especially on the defensive side in the first half.
“They out hustled and out scrapped us in the first half on the boards and to loose balls,” said Lovelace. “We did not play disciplined defense.”
Pioneer built a 27-23 halftime lead.
“Both teams had a few good stretches and there were also turnovers and sloppy play mixed in,” Lovelace said of the first half action.
In the third quarter, Skyline “had some defensive lapses and did not have proper discipline,” as Pioneer was able to capitalize to extend its lead to 40-32.
Skyline finally came with defensive intensity in the middle of the fourth quarter and was able to tie the game late with a Jayden Potts three-pointer. Pioneer missed a shot at the buzzer in regulation and the game went into overtime tied at 52-52.
In overtime, Pioneer scored first and Skyline answered. It went back and forth and Skyline had the ball with time running down to get the final shot and was called for a travel with 4 seconds left.
Pioneer took the ball out on the sideline and passed the ball into the front court and scored on Cunningham’s running shot down the lane that went in at the buzzer to win.
Pioneer had three players hit double figures, led by Josiah with 18 points. Josh Turman had 12 points and Elijah Klein scored 11.
Ben Stille led Skyline with 19 points along with 4 rebounds and 7 blocks. Potts finished with 15 points and 4 rebounds; Will Gardner had 9 pts and 11 rebounds, Sam Koelling had 6 points and 5 rebounds and James Harrison had 4 points for Skyline.
Pioneer was 15 of 25 from the free-throw line while Skyline was 2 of only 5 attempts. The Eagles had 17 turnovers and were out-rebounded 42-34.
Pioneer (4-3 overall, 2-2 SEC) will host Lincoln on Tuesday. The Railsplitters are coming off a close win over Dexter. Skyline (6-3, 4-2) will play Bedford on Tuesday.
