#2 Potsdam Edges #3 Canton in another Classic Rt 11 Clash

Senior Scott Reed of Potsdam hits the game-winning shot with 25 seconds remaining in the game.

The #2 seed Potsdam Sandstoners win over the #3 Canton Bears by the score of 49-46 in the Class C semifinals. Potsdam built up a 15-2 lead to start the game. Canton fought back to pull within 3 points with 2:33 remaining in the half only to see Potsdam finish the last 2:33 with a 8-2 run. The halftime score was 24-15. During the 3rd quarter baskets were traded back and forth and neither team really made a run. With 5:35 left in the 4th quarter the Canton Bear dug down deep and started a late game charge. In a 2 minute span, the Bears were within 2 points of Potsdam, 44-42. Brad Stone of Canton hit some big shots down the stretch including a 15 footer with 2:35 left in the game to tie it up at 46-46. After a minute and a half of play the score remained 46-46 until Senior Scott Reed decided to take matters into his own hands. Reed drove to the foul line and drained a 14 footer with 25 seconds left in the game was ended up being the game-winner. Jerry Coleman hampered to 2 sore thumbs was held to 14 points and fouled out of the first game of his career. Freshman Zach Adams finished with 12 points for Potsdam. Taylor Martin led the Bears with 11 points. Brad Stone added 10 points and Adam LaQuier scored 8 points for Canton. "Scott (Reed) made a big shot for us and played great defense with a big block right at the end.", said coach Kmack. "I am very proud of these group of kids. To beat a good Canton team like this 3 times in one season is a tough task. I can't say enough about our young kids on this team, we had 2 freshmen and a sophomore out on the court at crunch time and they held it together.", added coach Kmack. Potsdam will play #1 seed OFA for the Class B title.