Cross Hackathorne of Fairbanks goes up for a shot in this file photo. Hackathorne hit a buzzer-beating basket for FHS’ 52-51 victory over Benjamin Logan Saturday evening. It marked the Panthers’ 20th win of the season.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
––––
The game could not have ended in any more dramatic fashion when Fairbanks’ boys basketball squad reached its 20th victory Saturday evening.
Cross Hackathorne scooped up a loose ball and tossed in the winning points right before the buzzer as the Panthers edged Benjamin Logan, 52-51.
“The ball bounced our way,” said FHS coach Justin George.
The victory came during a makeup game on the Raiders’ home court.
Fairbanks held a 50-49 edge with 50 ticks on the timer.
The Panthers put up an errant shot and the Raiders grabbed the rebound.
Fairbanks committed a foul with 30 seconds to play.
Both charity tosses were good and that put FHS down 51-50.
As the clock wound down, Fairbanks’ Mason Smith drove the lane.
The ball was knocked loose with precious few ticks left to play.
Hackathorne alertly grabbed the ball and flipped it toward the basket.
The swish of the net gave the Panthers their 20th victory in 22 outings during the regular-season finale.
The 2018-19 season marks the first time an FHS boys hoop squad has reached 20 victories since 1993.
The game was tight all the way.
The Raiders took a 13-11 lead into the second quarter and a 28-25 margin at the turn.
Ben Logan held a 42-37 advantage as action moved into the final stanza.
Tyler Beem, Braylon Green and Smith each led the Panthers with 10 points.
The team will now concentrate on its Division III tournament opener.
The Panthers will host Columbus Bishop Ready at 7 p.m. next Monday (Feb. 25).
Fairbanks
Beem 4-0-10, Breen 5-0-10, Smith 5-0-10, Hackathorne 4-1-9, Nicol 3-1-7, Miller 2-0-6, Standley 0-0-0. Totals 23-2-52.
Three-point goals: Beem 2, Miller 2.
Benjamin Logan
Robson 5-2-14, Rockhold 4-2-10, Jones 4-0-9, Bibart 2-0-6, Allen 2-0-6, Schmidt 1-1-3, Kern 1-0-3. Totals 19-5-51.
Three-point goals: Robson 2, Bibart 2, Allen 2, Jones 1, Kern 1.