Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Buzzer Shot Downs PHS

For 31 minutes and 57 seconds Wednesday, Feb. 2, it looked like the Prescott Curley Wolves would be victorious against Fouke.

The game was nip and tuck from the opening tip until the final buzzer, with the Wolves leading most of the way, but never being able to administer the knockout punch.

With three ticks on the clock, Prescott leading 49-47, a Fouke player hit a fadeaway three to steal the win 50-49.

The game opened with Prescott taking the tip and scoring. The Wolves showed a lot of flash and dash, but neither team did a great deal of scoring early on.

In fact, three minutes into the contest Prescott held a 4-0 lead as both teams were frigid from the field. Fouke and Prescott each missed easy baskets throughout the game.

The Panthers' first points came from the free throw line with 3:41 showing to make the score 4-2.

The Wolves responded with five quick points, but neither team protected the ball well during the first frame.

Prescott led at the end of one with the score 13-6.

Fouke opened the second quarter by traveling and giving the ball to Prescott. In fact, the Panthers were called so much for traveling during the game they could have qualified for frequent flier miles had there been an airline nearby.

However, both squads did play a fast pace, moving up and down the court. The problem was neither could find a rhythm and play consistent ball.

Prescott managed to fight to a 19-6 lead with 4:09 left, but relaxed and allowed Fouke to get back in the game.

In fact, from the 4:09 mark until halftime the Panthers were able to outscore Prescott 11- 4, to cut the lead to 23-17 at the break.

The two squads turned it up in the third quarter, which began with Brian Woodley nailing a deuce and getting fouled. Unfortunately, he missed the free throw, and missed free throws came back to haunt the Wolves at game's end.

For the most part, play continued as it had during the first half, with the only difference being more scoring occurred.

The Panthers spread their offense, forcing the Wolves to come out more. This allowed Fouke to work the ball in closer with the pass and play with Prescott.

With 1:57 showing, Prescott's lead was 35-33 and both teams had recorded four fouls. The Wolves did pull away somewhat late as the period ended at 40-35.

The outcome was never certain either way at any time during the contest.

Neither team was able to get into its transition game and neither was smooth on offense or defense during the contest.

At the 5:48 mark of the fourth Prescott led 45-38 and had its best chance to put the Panthers away.

The Wolves, though, made a critical mistake as a player went for a dunk and hung too long on the rim. This drew a technical foul call from the officials with 3:59 to go.

In addition, it allowed Fouke to have two uncontested free throws and keep the ball.

It also allowed the Panthers to close the gap.

As the clock continued ticking away, the Panthers kept chipping away at Prescott's lead. With 2:57 showing the score was 47-44 as the Wolves had gone cold.

However, few people left the gym as it was still anybody's game.

With 1:26 to go, the score was 49-47, Prescott and it was the Wolves' ball.

Prescott's offense worked the ball around the court, draining precious seconds off the clock in an attempt to preserve the win.

However, with 21 seconds left, the Wolves threw the ball away, giving Fouke the only chance it would need to steal the win.

Prescott's defense, though, worked hard to deny a decent shot to Fouke. Still, with three ticks left, a Panther nailed the fall-away jumper from beyond the arc.

This was followed by the Wolves turning the ball over on the inbound play and getting called for an intentional foul with a second left.

Fouke, though, missed both free throws.