It says a lot about a freshman when the coach wants the ball in their hands late in the game.
Liam Goran was in that position for Keystone, and the rookie delivered with a game-winning layup in the final seconds to guide the Wildcats to a 49-47 conference win over Firelands on Jan. 9.
In a game that featured a lot of ups and downs for both sides, it rightfully came down to the final moments. Tied at 47-47, Goran got the ball up top and drove right to the basket, laying it in with 2.7 seconds left to seal the victory.
“We drew up the play to give me the ball and have a four-out and set some screens,” Goran said. “The coaches just trusted me to take the last shot and have the ball in my hand. … It felt really great. I was really excited that Coach drew the play up for me to have a chance to take the final shot.”
The story of Keystone’s season was simple through its first 10 games. The Wildcats (5-6, 4-2 LC8) either won big or lost in close fashion. All six losses have come in single digits, and there are a few where they held double-digit leads at one point.
This team has lost this game against Firelands a handful of times this season. However, this time, they got over the hump and picked up a much-needed close win.
“We needed this,” Keystone coach Jeff Holzhauer said. “We still had moments in the fourth quarter where we made some mistakes. It was like, ‘Oh no, not this again’. We made enough plays down the stretch, and credit to our kids for staying in the game and being emotionally in the game the entire way and not backing down. I’m really proud of them.”
It didn’t go perfect with a plenty of momentum swings, but Keystone made some huge plays down the stretch. The Wildcats led by two heading into the fourth, but Firelands scored the first five points of the quarter to take a 42-39 lead. However, Zach Shackelford hit a timely 3-pointer, his only one of the game, to tie it up.
The Falcons (6-5, 4-2 LC8) hit three free throws in a span of a couple of minutes to take another three-point lead, but Grant Hartley answered the bell with a big triple of his own.
Christopher Radman had a huge game for Firelands with a game-high 18 points, and he wound up scoring the Falcons’ final points with a jumper that put them in front. Keystone came up empty and was faced with a two-point deficit trying to get a foul or a steal in the final minute. It happened to be the latter, as Hartley stole the ball and scored to tie the game once again with 45 seconds left.
“Grant had some monster plays down the stretch. That was a huge 3-pointer he hit, that steal late,” Holzhauer said. “I’m glad that I’m not in high school having to bring the ball up the court and play against Grant because he’s such a pest and works so hard.”
Firelands had a chance to bounce back from its previous mistakes, but couldn’t convert as Tucker Webb took a charge for the Wildcats. It was a tough night at times defensively for Keystone, but taking multiple charges throughout the game was huge for coming out on top.
On the ensuing possession, Goran made the game-winning shot. Firelands had one last chance but couldn’t get a look at the rim.
“Keystone’s always going to be a good game for us,” Firelands coach Colin Myers said. “They play hard, too, it’s a physical game always. We didn’t execute down the stretch and they did. It’s a good win for them.”
Hartley led Keystone with 17 points, followed by Goran’s 14. The Wildcats’ backcourt is mixed with a senior and a freshman, and both players have stepped up on many occasions. Shackelford and another freshman, Blake Moore, scored seven each.
“It feels great to come out here and finally seal a game,” Hartley said. “Hopefully, we can continue that and win out.”
Both teams continue conference play next week against Brookside. Firelands hosts the Cardinals on Jan. 16, while Keystone is back in action against them on Jan. 19.
THE SCORE
Keystone 49, Firelands 47
