Nate LeBlanc hit a 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining to lift Winthrop to a 61-60 win over Boothbay in South Class C semi-final boys basketball action at the Augusta Civic Center on Feb. 22.
The Ramblers led 18-14 at the quarter and 25-24 at the half Boothbay went on an 11-4 run in the third to capture the lead. The Seahawks built a 10 point lead in the fourth with 6:26 to play, before the tides turned for Boothbay. Winthrop netted five 3-pointers in the final period, led by Jared McLaughlin with three and LeBlanc two.
Sam Fiueroa started the rally with 5:12 to play when he drove inside for two and completed the three point play at the foul line. The Ramblers then lit up the net from downtown, pulling within two with 1:07 to play on a McLaughlin three. McLaughlin drew a charge on Boothbay’s Kyle Ames at center court to set up the play. Boothbay missed the front half of a one on one with 33 seconds to go, and 6’8″ center Cam Wood came down with the rebound to set up the game winning three from LeBlanc. Ames took an off balance shot at the buzzer that missed its mark.
Hunter Crocker scores off a steal for Boothbay. (Paula Roberts photo)
Seahawk Steve Reny penetrates inside, then kicks the ball back outside. (Paula Roberts photo)
Boothbay was led by Ames with 22, Hunter Crocker 19 and Steve Reny 13. Winthrop was led by McLaughlin 23 (6-3’s), Wood 15 and LeBlanc 12.
