San Antonio, TX-

The non-district contest between TAPPS programs, Schertz John Paul II (JPII) and San Antonio Christian (SACS) literally went down to the last possession on Thursday night.

With 3.1 seconds left, James Galloway would miss the front end of a 1 and 1, as the ball caromed off to the right side of the court. Guardians point guard Dezmon Dudley would get a quick pass, take two dribbles and from about 35 feet out, would hoist a double clutch leaner that was wide left as the buzzer sounded.

Tighter than they wanted, but the Lions prevailed, 53-52. It was Galloway who led the scoring charge, finishing with an official 19 points on the evening, showing a good set touch from beyond the arc connecting on three treys as well.

Credit to the Guardians as the contest teetered in the balance, trailing by 11pts, 37-26, late in the 3rd quarter. A pair of free throws by junior Jayven Adams, made it a 9-point game, and from there an 11-0 run ensued for John Paul. Capped off by his own three-point play right before time expired in the frame, Adams would give JPII it’s first and only lead of the game, 38-37, as Josh McGuire would steal a would-be outlet pass, find Adams who was fouled and would muster nearly a one-handed 10ftr from just within the paint, to rattle in, adding the free throw before the close of the third.

As John Paul answered with a run, so did the Lions to start the 4th quarter. Noah Cyrus and James Galloway would hit back to back treys, preceded by an attacking layup in transition from teammate Mason Cyrus, and just like that the Lions roared back in front, 45-38, at the 6:16 mark of the final period.

Both teams would go back and forth, down to the final seconds. Under a minute remained and the ball would find its way to Dudley on the left wing. In what was not one of his better shooting nights, he still came through with a clutch three pointer, to make it 53-52, and .45 seconds remaining on the clock. From their, defensive stops would determine the outcome.

Helping carry the scoring load for the Lions was Noah Cyrus who added 14pts in the win, hitting on 4 three pointers. Eyman pitched in 10pts and 9rebs.

In the tough loss for the Guardians, 6’5” post Jayven Adams had an impressive outing, registering a double-double, 21 points and 10 rebounds. He lived in the paint all game and took advantage when he was on the floor. Dudley was the only other JPII player with double figures, finishing with 11 points.