Vashon bests Niagara Falls in battle of unbeatens

The game matched two undefeated teams that are both ranked #1 in a national poll among the top high school squads in the country and both are nicknamed Wolverines. Anyone expecting something other than a close game, would be mistaken. St. Louis (MO) Vashon, ranked #1 by USA Today, bested Niagara Falls (NY) High (ranked #1 by Student Sports) 69-66 in overtime in the sixth game of day three of the 2005 Prime Time Shootout.

The game saw seven leads changes in the final quarter. James Washington, a 5-foot-9 point guard for Vashon, stole a pass inside midcourt and went coast to coast to put them up 59-58. Niagara's all-around standout Paul Harris hit a three-pointer to put the Wolverines back up by two. With 2:05 left in the game. Harris blocked a shot on the other end and after Vashon re-gain control stole the ball and headed to the Niagara Falls' hoop. However, he missed the dunk. Johnny Hill made one of two free throws to cut the margin to 61-60, but Harris made a sweet dish to James Starks for a lay-up to make it 63-60. Vashon sophomore Leon Powell scored to cut the margin to one. Harris made the second of two free throws with 35.2 seconds left, but Washington tied the score at 64-64 with 16 seconds left. Harris missed a three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.

Niagara Falls' point guard Jonathan Flynn missed two free throws four seconds into overtime, but he was able to grab the rebound. Niagara Falls held the ball for over two minutes. However, Starks missed an inside jumper. Kenny Daniels and Washington each made one free throw for Vashon to put them up 66-64. Harris grabbed the second free throw miss, but fell to the ground and was called for traveling with 18,2 seconds left.

Bobby Hill made both free throws with 14.6 seconds left, but Harris countered with a hoop with 4.8 seconds left to cut the margin to 68-66. Brian Roach made the first of two free throws with 2.1 seconds left and Niagara Falls was unable to get off a potential tying shot.

Bobby Hill led Vashon with 18 points. Older brother Johnny Hill had 14 and Daniels added 13. Washington had eleven and Powell added eight.

Harris led all players with 25 points and eleven rebounds. Robert Garrison scores twelve points and Starks added ten.