Curley stuns Annapolis Area Christian with amazing threes

Do you believe in miracles?

That’s a question that people of faith have asked one another for centuries and seeing is believing.

On Friday afternoon at Archbishop Curley in East Baltimore, the host Friars hit two miraculous shots that allowed them to defeat Annapolis Area Christian, 48-45, in a MIAA B Conference basketball game before a boisterous crowd that was treated to some thrilling theatrics by the home team.

The Eagles, who pulled off their own amazing long-range three-point game-winner in a victory over McDonogh last weekend, took a 43-40 lead when Geo Yates hit two free throws for with 13 seconds to go in regulation. Curley got the ball into the hands of Ben Huff on the other end of the floor, and the hard-working junior hit a dazzling three from the corner to tie the game in regulation as time ran out.

In the overtime period, things were even more dramatic. Conner Lipinski nailed two free throws for AACS in the OT to give his team a 45-43 lead.  Curley’s Trent McCullum hit a jumper that tied the game, and then, with seconds remaining in overtime, Curley senior Tyler Burton came up with a steal and launched a three-quarter court shot that hit nothing but net, and the Friars won the game.

“You’re hoping on a prayer and it just happened to go in,” said Burton. “They came out ready to play. We played as a team today, and that’s what got us the win.”

Huff agreed.

“I thought we played really well as a team today. That was a good way to pick up our first win,” said Huff.  “I don’t take many threes, but it went in, so I’m not complaining.” 

Curley coach Andy Bauer said that he was proud of his team.

“They never quit. They played with a lot of heart and determination.”

AACS was coming off wins over Severn, Pallotti and McDonogh, and the Friars were looking for their first win.

McCallum said he’s never seen an ending like that in his life.  Not many fans have.

“I’m just so happy how we played today. We gave it our all.  We came out with intensity, and I think that’s why we won the game.”

Gary Wade, who had all six of Curleys points in the first quarter, had said after the Curley loss at Gilman this week that his team needed a spark.  On Friday they got a firestorm.

“We came out and worked hard the next day in practice, and we worked hard in the game,” said Wade who finished with nine points.

Niall Harrison, who had seven second half points for the Friars said that it was a huge win. “We came out and fought, and we didn’t give up,” said the sturdy forward.

Burton who had two clutch threes in the second half in addition to the game winner, lead Curley with 11 points.  Eagle sharp-shooter Lipinski led all scorers with 15.

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