Mustangs rally for narrow win over Flyers

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Elijah Doxey drives to the basket between Maryvale defenders Joseph Madden (11) and Darren McClary (32) during the Mustangs narrow home court win over the Flyers this afternoon.

In a tight sea-saw battle down the stretch, Medina emerged with a narrow 53-51 victory over visiting Maryvale in a non league boys basketball game this afternoon.

There were no less than seven lead changes and three ties during the hectic final period which saw the Mustangs break away from a 51-51 deadlock to claim their third straight win as Jerrell Nealy had two clutch free throws and a pair of big rebounds in the final 50 seconds.

The Mustangs biggest lead in the final stanza was four at 49-45 after a 6-0 run on a rebound basket by Cole Callard, a three by Trevon Shine and a free throw by Preston Woodworth.

Two free throws by Christian Moss then offset a three by the Flyers Jaxsyh Montz, his fifth of the day, to keep the Mustangs on top 51-49 with 1:23 remaining.

The Flyers pulled even one last time at 51-51 on a pair of free throws by Isaiah Hill but could not regain the lead.

In all, seven players contributed to the point production down the stretch for the Mustangs as Shine had a two and a three, Woodworth a three and a free throw, Elijah Doxey, Callard and Justin Pitts each a basket, Nealy three free throws and Moss two.

Trailing the Flyers by nine, 28-19, at the half, the Mustangs used a 15-6 third period scoring edge to rally back into a 34-34 tie at the three-quarter mark. A rebound bucket by Doxey capped off that big comeback which also included baskets by Shine, Nealy, Pitts and Kaedon Cleveland.

“We had a rough first half but they pulled it together in the second half,” said Medina Coach Justin Morgan. “The key was they kept their composure and we played better defense.”

Woodworth finished with 12, Shine 11, Nealy 9, Doxey 6, Moss 5, Callard and Pitts 4 each and Cleveland 2.

Montz took game high honors with 20, including 5 threes, to lead the Flyers which held a 16-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

Improving to 3-2, Medina next faces East Rochester in the opening round of the Kendall Tournament at 4 p.m. Friday.

Medina’s Trevon Shine puts up a shot over Maryvale defender Isaiah Hill.