Harrisville Denies Hammond's Comeback Bid

Tom Coloney of Harrisville lays up 2 of his game-high 23 points after a steal at half court.

For the second time in two weeks the Harrisville Pirates and the Hammond Red Devils faced off on the hardwood. With Harrisville prevailing in what proved to be a deciding game in the West Division Title Co-Championship. At the start of the game each team looked to find some sort of groove offensively. Harrisville used some great inside looks and Hammond used fast break opportunities to keep the game close. Hammond looked to take a lead after the first quarter but Thomas Coloney stole the ball at half court with 2.4 seconds to go and tied the ball game 9-9 after the first. In the second, each team used some impressive offense sets to allow the game to stay in a deadlock. Hammond and Harrisville both just couldn't seem to find a way to oust the other in a fight for a lead. After a dog fight of a first half Harrisville's Lucas Getman hit a put-back jumper just before half to put the Pirates up 22-21. In the second half the Pirates came out firing on all cylinders, finding the open looks at the high post and some great out side shooting from their guards. Hammond, who's bench was limited, tried to cut into the Harrisville lead but failed, trading baskets with the Pirates. Harrisville took their biggest lead of the ball game after three quarters gone, 42-32. In the fourth Hammond jumped out with a quick 7-0 run; guided by 1st team all-northern Brandon Howie. Howie sliced through the Harrisville zone for a lay-up with six minutes to play, while trailing only by three, 42-39. But Harrisville would quickly answer and once again found the high post for two quick jumpers. But Hammond wasn't done yet. With a great 3-point shot by Dan Ceresoli with 45 seconds to play the Red Devils only trailed 47-44. But Lucas Getman sealed the win for Harrisville when he got an offensive rebound and the put back on the next Pirate possession. Hammond resorted to fouling after coming up short in the closing seconds. And Harrisville went on to win 52-44. Griff Stark-Ennis scored 10 for Hammond and Brandon Howie had 18. Harrisville's Lucas Getman scored 14 in a victorious effort and West Division MVP Thomas Coloney scored a game high 23. Harrisville goes on to face Heuvelton in the Class "D" Semi-Finals at SUNY Potsdam at 6 p.m. Thursday night.