February 2022 Volume 4, Issue 10
Golden Warriors clutch victory over Panthers
The Sterling boys basketball team narrowly managed to hold on against East Moline United last Saturday night at Musgrove Fieldhouse. The Panthers failed to secure victory over the Golden Warriors in the game's final seconds.
The action heated up quickly throughout the first quarter, with teams staying neck in neck. However, East Moline United eventually stole the lead in the final seconds, resulting in a single-point charge over Sterling, 11-12, at the end of the first.
Sterling’s offense picked up early in the second quarter. Within minutes, Sterling guard, Andre Klaver, managed a pump-fake to a spin, finishing with a layup.
Another quick basket by Klaver, coupled with a spectacular half-court pass from Sterling point guard John Schilling to power forward Lucas Austin, resulted in two more points.
Add a clean three-point shot by shooting guard Kyle Billings, and by the close of the second quarter, the score was now 25-20. It was a strong quarter for Sterling, only giving up eight points to East Moline; while securing 14 for themselves.
Sterling continued to press its offense in the second half, but they caught five fouls during the third quarter, allowing East Moline a chance to close the gap. The Panthers missed the Warriors, but they did narrow the margin; by the end of the third, the score was now 45-32.
The beginning of the fourth quarter had the Panthers down, but they were not counting themselves out. East Moline kicked their offense up two gears, and with 1:12 left, they were only trailing the Warriors 59-50. What followed next was the most intense 60 seconds of the game.
East Moline scored seven points while completely shutting out Sterling, with only 14 seconds to go. A foul gave Sterling's Klaver a chance at the free-throw line, but he missed; East Moline recovered and attempted a last-second three-pointer meant to take the win but missed, closing the game, 60-57.