Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

NEW BOSTON — It’s click and stick for the Green Bobcats.

With their offensive starting to click and the team playing together, the Bobcats used a last-second basket by Brody Stormes to beat the New Boston Tigers 46-44 Friday in a Southern Ohio Conference game.

“They’re starting to click. They’re playing more cohesive. They’re sharing the ball and taking more high quality shots. Our defense has picked up. We’re hanging around and giving us a chance to win,” said Green coach Bobby Blanton.

“We went back to the basics in practice and that’s paid off. We’re trying to hit the offensive boards harder. Ryan Gaffney did well on the boards.”

Trent Marcum scored 17 points to lead the Bobcats (3-10, 1-5). Ryan Gaffney added 11 points.

Nate Payton scored 19 for New Boston.

Payton had eight points as New Boston outscored Green 17-8 in the first quarter and each team scored six points in the second quarter and it was 23-14 at the half.

In the third quarter, Ryan Gaffney scored seven points including 3-of-4 at the foul line and Hunter Lewis hit a big 3-pointer as Green cut the deficit to 34-29.

Marcum took over in the fourth quarter and scored 11 points as Green rallied to draw even.

The Bobcats then set up a final play and Stormes made a layup with 3.3 seconds left that put Green up 46-44.

New Boston called a time out to set up a final chance but the Bobcats’ defense preserved the win.

“Brody is playing pretty well for us right now. Aaron Johnson came off the bench and he’s played well that last two games getting us some rebounds,” said Blanton.

Green hosts Western on Tuesday.

Green 8 6 15 17 = 46

New Boston 17 6 11 10 = 44

GREEN (3-10, 1-5): Brody Stormes 1 0 2-4 4, Trent Marcum 7 1 0-3 17, Ryan Gaffney 4 0 3-4 11, Hunter Lewis 2 1 0-0 7, Caleb Johnson 0 1 0-0 3, Andy Chavarria 0 1 1-2 4, Aaron Johnson 0 0 0-0 0, Patrick Riley 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 18-37 6-13 46. Fouls: 11. Fouled out: None. Turnovers: 9. 3-point goals: 4-15.

NEW BOSTON (NA): Cody Poole 0 0 0-0 0, Billy Nichols 1 1 1-2 6, Parker Steele 1 0 0-0 2, Nate Payton 8 0 3-5 19, Jacob Slack 1 0 0-0 2, Tyler Shonkwiler 3 0 2-2 8, James Spicer 0 1 0-0 3, Ethan Porter 0 0 0-0 0, Jared Meade 2 0 0-1 4. Totals: 16 2 6-10 43. Fouls: 11. Fouled out: None.