DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
DECATUR – The Heritage Patriots looked well on their way to controlling Tuesday’s sectional opener against the Norwell Knights at the pace they wanted, taking a 26-22 lead into halftime.
A disastrous four-point effort in the third quarter, however, gave Norwell the lead and the Knights looked to be in the driver’s seat for a second win over Heritage this season with eight minutes to play.
The Patriots’ dynamic trio of leaders had no interest in ending their season, with seniors Lantae Cassel and Taurean Brown combining for 13 points and sharpshooting sophomore Kingston Galentine scoring six in the final quarter and overtime to lead Heritage to a postseason 51-48 overtime win.
The win in the 3A sectional for Heritage was just their second in the last seven seasons, but it was the second in three years for coach Kyle Sovine since taking over the Patriot program.
Brown, who had a bucket in each of the five periods, led the Patriots with 15 points.
Kingston Galentine’s two threes in the first half got Heritage out to their lead and he finished with 14 points.
After losing to Bluffton in early February on a buzzer-beater, the Patriots suffered another heartbreaking loss at Norwell just three days later, beginning a spiral that lasted five games.
Tuesday’s victory in overtime sets things right and has the Patriots on a path to take on a team (Marion) that should not be judged on record alone. The Giants are just 5-16 but will likely be considered the favorites on Friday.
Friday’s game can be heard on 92.7 FM thanks to our outstanding sponsors.
Norwell Scoring: McBride 15, Bunn 15, Comer 7, Jolley 4, McBride 3, Privett 2, Richardson 2
Heritage Scoring: Brown 15, Galentine 14, Cassel 11, Bowers 6, Harris 4, Taylor 1
About the Author
