Churchville-Chili rallied back from 18 points down in the first half and from 16 down in the fourth quarter, but eventually fell to NW-Prep 61-60 in boy’s basketball.
The Saints managed just nine points of offense in the first quarter, but a 10-0 highlighted by a pair of free throws by Dennis Swetz, a three-pointer from Fidel Brock, a drive and free throw by Corey Powell and a runner from Griffin Stella started a rally that had them down by only six at the half.
The start of the second half was the Powell show with three consecutive baskets to cut the lead to just two points before the Panthers ended the third quarter on a 21-8 run to extend their lead back to 16.
The Saints pressure defense held the Panthers off the scoreboard for the final three minutes of regulation while the offense received consecutive field goals from Eric Lewis, free throws and put-back by Powell and a lay-up by Stella after a great feed from Lewis.
That again cut the NW-Prep lead to 61-60 with 32 seconds remaining, but the Saints couldn’t convert of their final two possessions.
Powell led the Saints with 16 points and added six rebounds. Stella and Marcellus James each added 13 points while Lewis finished with 11 points and six boards for the 2-5 Saints.
