With 2.7 seconds on the clock, the score tied at 59-59 and the season on the line, Patapsco's Devin James drove to the basket and drew a foul, awarding the junior guard the chance to become a hero.
Make one of two free throws, and Patapsco would advance past Harford County's C. Milton Wright and earn a trip to the regional semi-finals.
James calmly stepped to the charity stripe and missed his first attempt.
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Then, he coldly knocked down his second attempt.
His team matched up on defense and C. Milton Wright missed a final shot, giving Patapsco a heart-pounding 60-59 playoff victory. Now, they face regional powerhouse Milford Mill, who beat Patapsco badly earlier this year when the Patriots were missing several key players.
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“I knew I was going to make it, I shoot about 50 free throws a day in practice,” said James of the second free throw attempt. “I missed the first one on purpose,” he joked. “I wanted to give the crowd some excitement.”
James got his offense going early as he scored eight of his 11 points in the first quarter and the Patriots built a 22-15 lead. James' backcourt partner, Gary Fayall, matched him with eight points in the second quarter, contributing 13 in the game.
The Patriots held a commanding 36-29 lead going into the locker room for half-time.
The Mustangs used their set offense and tenacious defense to outscore the Patriots by eight points in the third quarter taking the lead, 46-45.
“C. Milton started to make shots in the third quarter,” said Patapsco head coach Will Marshall. "They started to get hot and caught on fire.”
The Mustangs stretched that lead to five points before the Patriots found their offense.
James faked a pass a the top of the key, drove hard into the lane and scored a layup to cut the lead to one point. After a time-out the Mustangs were unable to inbounds the ball and turned it over on a 5-second call.
With 31 seconds left in the game, down by one, Pataspco ran a set play. After three passes James again drove into the lane, this time getting fouled, making one of two and keeping his team in the hunt for a state championship.
“We are trying to go far,” said James. We are trying to win it all. We don't care who we have to play.”
