(Park celebrates its win over Westhill that put them in the Class B Federation Title game/Photo by James McCoy)
Following Westhill's spectacular display in the 2014 NYSPHAA Class B state championship game, a 93-55 win over Olean, it seemed difficult to fathom a team could possibly stand in it way of repeating the following season. The Warriors were returning 85 of the points scored in a game that was never even competitive. They went on to win the Federation in Class B, finishing 27-0. But those who have followed my work this year know that I've said from the start that anything less than a Federation matchup between Westhill and Park this season would be a disappointment for the Pioneers.
Well, Park made it to the Federation Tournament of Champions. They didn't disappoint anyone, except those with dreams of a repeat championship for Westhill.
Kyle Harris sank a pair of free throws with 1.6 seconds remaining in overtime, then Randy Golda blocked a game-winning attempt from the Westhill's Jordan Roland, preserving a 56-55 victory over the defending champs. The victory advances the Pioneers to the Class B Federation Championship game on Sunday, 4 pm at SUNY Albany.
Park had led by as many as 12 points in the second half after taking a 10-point lead into the break. Westhill chipped away at the deficit and closed to within six points heading into the final stanza. Midway through the fourth, the Warriors had pulled to within two points, setting up an intense finish. With the Pioneers leading 52-49, Westhill had possession with 18 seconds remaining. As the time ticked off the clock, the reigning NYS Class B POY, Jordan Roland, buried a trey from the left corner over the outstretched arm of Park's Derek Cheatom with 1.6 seconds left, sending the action to OT.
The Pioneers trailed by a point for over two minutes in the extra session as the score stayed knotted at 55-54, before Harris calmly sank the game-tying charity toss, followed by the game-winner.
Jordan Nwora led Park with 18 points, Hunter Anderson scored 13 points, and Kyle Harris had 12 points.
Jordan Roland scored 18 points and Tyler Reynolds added 15 points for Westhill in the loss.
-centercourt
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