Taconic Works Overtime to Get Back to Final Four
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Taconic's Kyle McGrath capped off an overtime win over Boston Latin Academy in the Massachusetts Division 3 Elite 8 on Saturday.
After a huge regulation contest between Taconic and BLA ended in a 52-52 tie, the Thunder stormed past the visitors in OT to win 62-55.
“After scouting them that is not what we saw from them," Taconic coach Bill Heaphy said. "So their outside shooting made it tough on us,
“We adjusted well at the end there despite the toughness we got it done at the end.”
Despite the close score, Taconic’s defense was held strong in the final quarters of the game, including key steals from Kyle and Ceaser Santos.
RJ Jiminez led the way for Boston Latin throughout the game hitting numerous 3-pointers in the clutch, as well as giving putback opportunities to teammate Krem Amparo.
McGrath, who scored a game-high 26 points, went 3-for-4 at the free throw line in overtime.
“I was really feeling it all game, they were looking for me all game to give me possessions,” Taconic senior McGrath said.
“It really sets in to know i spent the last 10 years playing basketball with opportunities to play in big stages and all with this team. I will be giving it my all in the next games to come.”
Ceasar Santos scored 14, including three in OT.
Ninth-grader Quincy King also stepped up in a big way on the Elite Eight stage, scoring 12 points, including a 3-pointer and five points in overtime.
“As a freshman I did not really feel the pressure tonight with my team beside me,but I am ready to make my impact in our next game and the future for this team," King said.
Taconic now faces the undefeated and second-seeded Norwell, who is coming off a 57-52 win over Hanover, in the state semi-finals on a date and at a place to be announced.