by Jon Gambee

Martin’s basketball season came to a crushing end Friday when it dropped a 45-39 decision to Heritage Christian in an overtime battle at Climax Scotts High School.

The District Championship was in their grasp, but the Clippers were not able to maintain a lead they enjoyed until two minutes to play in the third quarter.

The Clippers, behind Garrett Dill and Brandon Buell led 7-0 at the start of the contest. Buell scored from underneath and Dill scored five points on a short jumper and a three. Martin built a 15-8 lead after eight minutes and led 26-17 at the half. They were helped by the fact that Heritage’s heralded guard Bryant Cross sat out much of the first half with three quick fouls. But the talented junior came back out to start the second half and did not pick up another foul. He finished with 11 points, including a free throw at the 2:11 mark of overtime to give Heritage the lead for good, 40-39.

Martin led throughout until the final two minutes of the third quarter when Bryce Bauman hit a three to give the Eagles a 32-31 lead. But Garrett Dill answered with a basket to give Martin a 33-32 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The teams traded baskets for the first half of the quarter with Tanner Curry’s two free throws giving Martin a 39-38 lead with 3:50 left to play. But that was to be the final points Martin would score. Donovan Bishop tied it with a free throw for Heritage but his attempt to put the Eagles up at that point was spoiled by a lane violation. Unfortunately, Martin was not able to take advantage of it and that’s the way things stood at the end of regulation.

Heritage outscored Martin 6-0 in the overtime period.

Dill led all scorers with 15 points and teammate Curry added 10. Bauman led Heritage Christian with 12 points.

After the game a jubilant Heritage Coach Ron Burlison praised his team’s effort.

“I am very proud of our kids,” he said. “They worked so hard to get here. It was a great team effort.”

Martin Coach David Curry said his team’s inability to control the basketball, especially down the stretch, was the difference in the game.

“Basically, we just didn’t take care of the ball,” he said. “We beat ourselves. Too many turnovers.”

Martin finishes its season with a record of 10-12, while Heritage Christian advances to regional play with a record of 10-12.

PHOTOS: Garrett Dill (24) led all scorers with 15 points.

Tanner Curry (52) tallied 10 points for the Clippers in their district finals loss.

(Photos courtesy Jon Gambee)