Big Macs Eke Out Win Over Bethel Park

BETHEL PARK— Dylan Berger knows that the way his team has been playing games down to the wire lately is more than a little bit nerve-wracking. In fact, the Canon-McMillan senior admits it can be downright scary at times.

“But it’s a bit more fun this way too,” he said.

For the third time in as many WPIAL Class AAAA Section 4 games, Berger and his Big Macs found a way to eke out a win in the final minute, this time beating section rival Bethel Park 60-57 on Friday night.

Berger led all scorers with 22 points, while Canon-McMillan teammates Brett Haney and Kionte Davis added 13 and 10 points respectively. Bethel Park senior Kenny Klase proved to be a handful, leading the Blackhawks (5-7, 2-4) with 19 points of his own.

But in the end, a clutch three-pointer by Haney and three big plays by Berger in the game’s waning moments were enough to deliver the victory and move Canon-
McMillan (7-6, 3-2) into sole possession of third place in the Section 4 standings.

“Our guys don’t flinch,” Canon-McMillan coach Rick Bell said. “That’s the sign of a senior, mature team. That’s what I’m proud of. Historically, these are games that Canon-McMillan would lose.”

Historically, perhaps. But initially, Friday night’s meeting never seemed as though it would end as closely as it did.

The Big Macs began by running roughshod through gaping lanes left open in the paint by the Blackhawks defense during the first quarter, before extending their lead to 11 points at halftime thanks to accurate shooting from behind the arc.

But then Bethel Park adjusted.

Kept alive by athletic plays from Klase in the first half, the Blackhawks tightened up defensively and began to scratch their way back into contention in the third quarter, and then closing the gap even further early in the fourth thanks to a press defense that gave the Big Macs fits.

“[Bethel Park] did adjust. They hit some shots and our guys got a little frustrated,” Bell said. “We forgot what worked for us early.”

It was just the chance the Blackhawks had been waiting for.

Spurred on by a pair of early 3-pointers from guards Nolan Cavanaugh and Philip Ashear, it took Bethel Park all of three minutes to turn what had been a nine-point Big Macs lead at the start of the fourth quarter into a 53-53 tie.

Shortly thereafter, the Blackhawks took the lead. And they held it until Haney nailed his momentum-changing 3-pointer from the top of the arc with 1:24 left in the game.

As Berger said, “Brett Haney has ice water in his veins. That’s his fourth game-winner.”

At least it would be, after the Big Macs were done sweating out the final minute that is.

Down 58-57, Bethel Park switched into time management mode—working the ball around with methodical patience, and searching for just the right shot to take. But when the Blackhawks finally made their move, Berger was right there to make the big play, time and time again.

First, Berger swatted away a Klase layup attempt with 28 seconds to go. Then the 6-foot-8 center came down with a defensive rebound following an errant Bethel Park jump shot. And finally, Berger converted on both of his free throw attempts from the foul he took after grabbing that rebound—putting Canon-McMillan ahead 60-57 with nine seconds left.

Under orders to pressure but avoid a foul at all costs, the Big Macs closed the game out by forcing Bethel to take a pair of rushed 3-point attempts. One shot rimmed out, the other never even sniffed the basket.

“Bottom line, we’re 3-2 [in Section 4],” Bell said.

And while Bethel Park won’t take to the court again until Tuesday, when the Blackhawks travel to take on Baldwin, the Big Macs have a tougher turnaround to make. Canon-McMillan will be put to the test when they visit Section 4 leader Mt. Lebanon (11-1, 5-0) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Bell said of the Mt. Lebanon game. “We’re going onto their court tomorrow and I’ll tell you what, nobody thinks we’re going to win. But we’re a confident lot.”