JENNINGS • William Morehead didn’t know if the ball was coming his way or not. But the MICDS junior was just ready to shoot if the chance presented itself.
It did.
Down two points with 12 second remaining in a league game at Lutheran North on Tuesday night, Morehead took a pass from point guard Rashad Lindsey and buried a 3-pointer from the left corner to give the Rams a 51-50 victory.
Lutheran North had two shots to win in its last possession, but MICDS' Thomas Militello tipped a deep jump shot and a final shot from the lane missed the mark as the final horn sounded.
It’s the second time this season the Rams have found a way to eke past their Metro League rival by a point. And it’s the second time the Crusaders have had a chance to win in their final possession.
Lutheran North did defeat MICDS at the MICDS Holiday Tournament.
The victory Tuesday breaks a two-game losing streak and keeps MICDS (13-8 overall, 7-1 league) on the inside track to the Metro League championship. Lutheran North, No. 10 team in the STLhighschoolsports.com small-schools rankings, fell to 16-6 overall and 3-3 in league play.
“It’s good to bounce back,” Morehead said.
Morehead and Lindsey led the Rams with 11 points apiece. Militello chipped in 10 and was a defensive pest against the Crusaders in the fourth quarter. Militello converted two steals into a layup and a pair of free throws when Lutheran North went into a stall midway through the fourth quarter.
“Militello got the job done, he was the difference in the game,” Lutheran North coach Brent Rueter said.
Rueter was disappointed in the result if only because the Crusaders were in control of the game and weren’t able to close it out. Lutheran North turned the ball over four times in the fourth quarter and converted 18 of 24 free throws on the night.
“We had them right where we wanted them,” Rueter said. “We have to make our free throws and hold onto the ball. Simple as that.”
Guard Anthony Virdure led Lutheran North with 23 points. James Mitchell scored 13.
Morehead and MICDS coach Matt Hixenbaugh praised the savvy play of Lindsey. Both said it was Lindsey’s decision making that set up Morehead’s game winning jumper.
“He made the right read,” Hixenbaugh said. “He made the right play and he trusted his teammates.”
“He did all the work,” Morehead said. “He made a great play.”
