Southridge hangs on to beat David Douglas 53-51 in Fridays second-round playoff game
BEAVERTON Southridge point guard A.J. Monterossi stepped to the free-throw line with 0:22 on the clock and the Skyhawks clinging to a one-point lead. He sank the first foul shot, but saw the second attempt fall off the rim. David Douglas center Samson Ebukam ripped down the rebound, and Scots coach Chad Reeves called timeout.
The game would be decided on the teams next trip downcourt.
David Douglas put the ball into the hands of Sirgio Palmore, the buzzer-beating hero in the teams first-round win against West Salem. He dribbled down the edge of the lane, but the Scots werent playing for overtime. They were going for the win.
As he got in close to the basket, Palmore stopped in his tracks and fired a pass into the far corner. His throw had to get through a crowd of Southridge arms and sailed high, forcing teammate Steven Wallace off his feet just to retain possession, reaching high over his head to snag the ball.
Any thoughts of an open 3 were erased, and Reeves called timeout a chance to draw up another play on the clipboard.
With :06 on the clock, the Scots werent in panic mode, but would have to move quickly to put points on the scoreboard.
With the crowd on its feet and screaming full throttle, David Douglas inbounded from the sideline. The pass went toward the basket where Palmore had broken free behind the defense only to have the ball squeeze inches past his fingertips and bounce out of bounds.
Turnover. Skyhawks ball.
Monterossi dodged David Douglas defenders in the backcourt and dribbled out the final six seconds without being touched.
Southridge advances to the 6A quarterfinals Wednesday at the Rose Garden and will kick off the tournament against Lake Oswego at 1:30 p.m.
Look for extended game coverage in the Tuesday, March 5, print edition.
View a photo gallery from the game at
http://daveball.exposuremanager.com/g/march1_dd-southridge_hoops