Boys Basketball: Skyline holds on to knock off host Belleville in non-conference win
The Skyline boys’ basketball team won a thrilling game at Belleville Friday night 59-57.
The Eagles jumped out to the lead off the opening tip when Dinalli DeLoach scored inside and Skyline continued to build on the lead with strong defense and good ball movement. They finished the first quarter with a big three-point basket at the buzzer from Jermaine Davis to take a 15-8 lead.
The second quarter was more back and forth with both teams playing hard. Skyline built a 10-point lead as time was ticking down in the half. Belleville forced a turnover near half court with about 8 seconds left and called timeout. The Tigers then hit a 3 pointer at the buzzer to cut the Skyline lead to 28-21.
In the third quarter, Belleville increased the intensity defensively and started forcing some turnovers. Skyline would answer with big offensive help from James Harrison in the paint on dump downs and offensive rebounds scoring eight points in the quarter. Skyline led 44-39 after three.
In the fourth quarter, Skyline starters Chris Cayton and DeLoach both fouled out with around 3 minutes left in the game and Belleville was getting to the free-throw line.
Skyline held a slim lead for much for the fourth quarter in a back and forth game.
Ashay Arora hit a huge 3 point basket and a 2 point pullup. Jack Williams hit two big free throws with about 20 seconds left to go up 59-57. Belleville had the ball out of bounds under their basket with about 10 seconds left and got an open 3 point look that rimed out and Will Garnder got the rebound and got fouled for Skyline.
Garnder missed the front end of the one and one and Connor Bush drove the length of the court in 5 seconds and missed a shot in the lane at the buzzer. Skyline held on for the win.
Skyline was led by Cayton who did a good job taking care against pressure while scoring 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Senior Kabir Bergin had 11 points and 4 rebounds. DeLoach did a great job protecting the paint while scoring 7 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block.
Arora led Skyline in scoring with 12 points hitting many big shots in the second half. James Harrison played a solid and steady game with 8 points and 5 rebounds.
Skyline will travel to play at Canton next Tuesday.
