Clutch Free Throws Make Northville Mustangs Home Opener Electric

- Submitted by Steve Patrone

If you missed the varsity boys basketball home opener Tuesday night, then you missed an instant classic. There was much anticipation leading up to the game tip-off and the student body was preparing to get rowdy.

The Walled Lake Central Vikings came into town after a successful 2009/10 season record of 16-6. The Mustangs were ready for the challenge. After winning the tip-off, the Mustangs started out a bit slow offensively. The Vikings jumped out to a 7-0 lead until the Mustangs knocked down their first points. The Vikings took the first quarter lead 13-7.

In the second quarter, the Mustangs started to gel on offense. Mitch Alameddine drained in two 3-pointers back to back which sparked the crowd. The Mustangs held Walled Lake Central to only 5 points in the second quarter while the Mustangs poured in 12 points. As the half wound down, Jeff Hewlett drained a last second shot to give the Mustangs the lead 19-18.

The third quarter had the Mustangs increasing their lead to 28-24. The Mustangs team defense stepped up creating multiple Viking turnovers led by Stewart Henzi with (3) steals. Henzi and Andrew Poterala each had one blocked shot apiece.

The Vikings fought their way back in the fourth quarter. With 1:57 left on the clock, the Vikings took a one point lead with a 3-point shot beyond the arc. Both teams forced some turnovers but there was still plenty of time left on the clock. The Mustangs controlled the ball on offense with 15 seconds left when Brett MacDonald launched a shot from the top of the key. The ball rattled the inside of the rim but bounced out.

Thankfully, Mustang point guard, Jeff Hewlett grabbed the offensive board and was subsequently fouled with 8.5 seconds left in the game. The gym was silent and Jeff was at the free throw line preparing to give the Mustangs the lead. He did by swishing both free throws and that gave the Mustangs a one point lead with 8.5 seconds left.

The gym went wild. The Mustangs won 34-33.

The Mustangs' top scorers were Jeff Hewlett (10), followed by Mitch Alameddine (6), Stewart Henzi (6), Brett MacDonald (4), Andrew Meacham (4), Nick Raad (2) and Jake Hansen (2). Defensively Brett MacDonald and Stewart Henzi each pulled down (4) boards but no better than the last second heroics from Jeff "Hugo" Hewlett.

Way to go Mustangs!

The Mustangs next game is away at Canton Chiefs on Dec.16. Hope to see you there.