Christian Schwandt hit a pair of free throws with 4.5 seconds left in regulation to lift Markesan (Overall: 16-5, Trailways West: 11-2) to a 59-57 win at Trailways West leader Randolph (Overall: 18-2, Trailways West: 12-1) on Tuesday night. It looked like Markesan was going to run away with the game when Bryson Zuhlke’s steal and slam dunk put the Hornets up 44-35 with 4:16 left in regulation. Randolph was able to battle back and tie the game on a Peyton Moldenhauer three-pointer with :19 seconds left. After a Markesan timeout, Schwandt was fouled before the Hornets even got into the set that coach John Koopman drew up in the huddle. Peyton Moldenhauer’s desperation heave from mid-court was wide right to end the game.
The contest was a roller coaster for both teams as Markesan jumped out to a 13-4 lead midway through the 1st half before a 19-6 run put Randolph up 23-20 at the break. Markesan trailed 31-29 with 13:38 left in the game but a 16-4 run capped by Zuhlke’s dunk elevated that lead to a game high nine points.
Max Stellmacher led Markesan with 15 while Sam Grieger scored 22 in a losing effort for Randolph. The Rockets can still clinch the outright league title when they host Cambria-Friesland on Friday night. Markesan is a game back in the conference and hosts Rio on Friday night.
Click the link to hear post-game comments from both Markesan head coach John Koopman and Randolph head coach Tyler Fischer.