Konnor Fox’s bucket with 38 seconds left lifted the 4th seed Wyoming East Warriors over the 5th seed Logan Wildcats, 44-42, on Tuesday in the Class AA quarterfinals at the Charleston Civic Center.
In a back and forth game, the Wildcats (14-10) jumped out to a slim 12-9 advantage after the opening period. Both teams played evenly in the second quarter, and Logan held a 24-21 lead at the half.
Logan jumped out early in the third period, but the Warriors (19-3) battled back and was able to take a 35-34 lead heading into the final frame.
The last period was a back and forth affair with McCormick Ilderton hitting a jumper and then a free throw a few seconds later to knot the game up at 42-42. Fox was then able to get good position and hit the short jumper to make it a 44-42 score.
Logan had a chance to tie, and Ivan Miller was fouled as time expired to send him to the line. However, Miller’s first shot was off the mark, setting off a celebration on the Wyoming East Bench.
“Ivan (Miller) is a heck of a kid,” said Logan head coach Mark Hatcher. “He was one of the first ones to buy in when I got the job. He worked extremely hard. There’s no person more disappointed that he missed that foul shot than him. He is a leader on this team. Our kids love him and are going to be there for him. He did not lose the game for us at all. We know that. He played outstanding.”
Matt Hatfield led the Wildcats with 14 points. Ivan Miller followed with 8 points and 11 rebounds. McCormick Ilderton netted 7 points. Lucas Lambert had 6 points and 9 boards. Zay Sherod scored 4 points. Bentley Williamson finished with 3 points.
For Wyoming East, Talan Muscari led the way with 18 points. Zach Hunt scored 10 points. Braxton Morgan added 8 points. Konnor Fox had 4 points and 12 rebounds. Broc Johnson finished with 4 points.
The Warriors will play top seed Williamstown at 7:15 pm on Thursday.
