UPDATE: In a gripping finale to the Metro Conference tournament, the Evans boys basketball team and Oak Ridge emerged victorious, securing their championship titles during a tense night of overtime action. The results, confirmed just hours ago, highlight the resilience and defensive prowess of both teams.
Evans (14-4) showcased its determination by staging a dramatic comeback against Windermere (9-9), winning 47-44 after trailing by 10 points. This victory marks their second overtime triumph in as many nights, following a hard-fought win over Edgewater on Thursday. The Trojans now boast a perfect 3-0 record in overtime games this season.
In the Metro East final, Oak Ridge (12-7) overwhelmed Winter Park with a commanding score of 60-38, leveraging its pressure defense to dominate the game. Both teams have solidified their reputations as title contenders in the FHSAA Class 6A rankings, where Evans sits at No. 4.
Evans’ critical overtime victory was propelled by senior guard Johnny Wright, who executed a clutch shot to tie the game at 40-40, forcing the extra four minutes. Junior guard Abimael Belleus emerged as a key player, scoring 6 of the team’s 7 overtime points, including a pivotal spinning off-hand scoop shot that gave Evans a decisive 45-42 lead.
“I just wanted to get the bucket,” Belleus said. “We needed it. We gotta keep stacking up wins.”
Coach Lonza Morgan praised his team’s defensive efforts, stating, “We were lethargic in the first half. Once defense started creating offense, we got going.” Belleus finished the game with 14 points, while junior Nikarens Deceus added 9 points with three 3-pointers. Senior Dewayne Holiday, a formidable presence inside, recorded 3 blocked shots.
Windermere faced a tough challenge without senior point guard Lucas Boyd, who suffered a wrist fracture in the previous match. Despite closing the gap to 45-44 late in the game, Windermere couldn’t secure the win, missing its final three contested shots.
Looking ahead, Evans prepares to host Lake Brantley (11-7) on Tuesday, while Windermere will face neighboring Windermere Prep (14-3). Both games promise to be critical as teams strive for playoff positioning.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Oak Ridge game and other developments in the Metro Conference tournament. This season continues to deliver thrilling matchups that keep fans on the edge of their seats!
