The Heritage Christian Academy Warriors were down to six-tenths of a second left and found a miracle finish Friday night against Community Christian Friday in Paducah.
After Community Christian hit a free throw with .9 seconds left, HCA passed to halfcourt and called a timeout with .6 remaining.
On the inbounds play, Jason Leek then hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 40-38 victory that set off a wild celebration by the Warriors.
Community Christian tried to stall several times during the game to slow down Leek, who is leading the state in scoring. The senior guard finished the game with 18 points, about half of his average.
Nathan Wheatcraft added 11 points for the Warriors, who improved to 10-17 on the season.
HCA will play Fort Campbell at 5:30 p.m. Monday night in the first round of the Boys’ District 8 Basketball Tournament at Hopkinsville High School. The Warriors swept the Falcons in two meetings this season.
Score by Quarters:
Heritage Christian 13 8 13 6 – 40
Community Christian 14 7 10 7 – 38
Individual Scoring:
HCA (10-17) – Kirkman 9, Leek 18, Thompson 2, Wheatcraft 11
CCA (16-10) – Helm 2, Ahmed 18, Miles 1, DeJarnett 10, Anderson 7,
3-Point goals:
HCA – Leek 3; CCA – Ahmed 2, DeJarnett 2, Anderson.
File Photo