Stoneham Tripped Up by Wilmington [PHOTOS, VIDEO]

The Wilmington High School girls' basketball team appeared to be in cruise control on Tuesday, but thanks to a furious rally, the Wildcats had to find the gas pedal in a hurry in the final minute of the game.

During the Middlesex League Small School Division opener for both teams, Wilmington boasted a double-digit lead throughout most of the game before scrambling for a 56-53 win.

Grace Macura drilled a three to bring Stoneham back to within 53-51 with 27 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. Wilmington's Christa Brent hit one of two free throws the next time the Lady Wildcats touched the ball to extend the lead to 54-51. But that's when things got really interesting.

Captain Jill Macura, one of just two Stoneham seniors, was fouled and stuck a pair of free throws to pull the visitors within one point with eight seconds remaining in the contest.

Wilmington's Alexandra Derien toed the line with six ticks left after being fouled, hitting both free throws to push the cushion back to three. Then as Stoneham searched for a desperation shot to tie the game, Derian swatted down the outlet pass and sealed the victory for the Wildcats.

Following the loss, the young Spartans dropped to 4-2 on the campaign. Wilmington pushed its mark to 5-2 on the year.