Marconi Hits Go-Ahead Floater to Win 59-57 over Comets
The Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs ended their regular season with a close 59-57 win over the Solon Comets on senior night. Despite the game being celebrated for the seniors, it was junior Cam Marconi who knocked down the go-ahead floater with 4 seconds to give the Bulldogs the win, avenging their 67-56 loss to the Comets a few weeks prior.
Concluding the senior night celebrations of 6 players, 8 cheerleaders and 2 dance team members, tip-off was a go at the James G. Tyree Gymnasium. The first quarter concluded with the Comets taking a demanding 17-13 lead over the Bulldogs with senior Guard Cameron Brown knocking down 3 triples to start off the game. The Bulldogs kept their composure in the 2nd, finishing the quarter with 15 points to go into the half with a 28-25 lead, with 6 Bulldogs splitting the 15 points in the 2nd. Senior Forward Reece Raymond-Smith led with 12 points for the Bulldogs, while Brown led the half with 13.
The Bulldogs continued to put up points in the 3rd, but the Comets were able to win the quarter 20-19, clawing their way back to make it a 2 point game. Cameron Brown continued to silence the Stow fans, adding 7 points in the 3rd while junior Guard Jake Rose knocked down 2 triples. Bulldogs’ Raymond-Smith showed no mercy either, as he led the quarter with 9 points to keep the Bulldogs ahead.
In the final 8 minutes of what looks to be a potential overtime match, both teams traded blows as time winded down. Brown led the charge by adding 8 of the Comets 12 points, while Raymond-Smith and junior Guard Cam Marconi held their ground for the bulldogs with 5 points each. By the final minute mark, it was a tie knot at 55 each, with the Comets having the ball and a winding down clock. Marconi however, put a stop to the Comets chance of winning, stealing the ball with 35 seconds to go before calling timeout. With the Bulldogs at the advantage and plenty of time to set up a play, Marconi knocked down a floater with 4 seconds to go to put the Bulldogs up 2. In a last desperate attempt, the Comets heaved the ball to half court for a last second shot, but missed their mark. The Bulldogs celebrated their win as they found a way to win once again.
In what was 100% a classic from two talented teams, the Bulldogs finished their regular season with a 13-9 record, placing 3rd in the Suburban League National conference. The Comets finished their first season in the Suburban League also with a 13-9 record, placing 5th in the national conference.
Raymond-Smith led the night for the Bulldogs with 26 points, while Marconi followed with 13 points, including the go-ahead game winner. For the Comets, Cameron Brown led with 28 points, while junior Forward Luke Kormuth followed with 11 points.