An amazing finish propelled the Cassopolis boys basketball team past Brandywine, 48-47, in Class C district semifinal action on Wednesday.

J.J. Smith’s free throw with no time on the clock capped a dramatic comeback for the Rangers, who outscored the Bobcats, 5-0, in the final 13 seconds.

Smith rebounded a missed shot from Brandywine’s Isaac Davis with three seconds left and quickly dribbled the ball up the court. While heaving a shot just past midcourt, Smith was intentionally fouled by the Bobcats’ Austin Knapp as time expired.

It was the third win of the year by Cassopolis over Brandywine. During the regular season, the Rangers won against their Lakeland Conference rival 58-52 and 56-48.

“I saw 0.5 left so I just threw the ball up,” said Smith about the game’s final play. “I didn’t expect a foul, but when he pushed me I was glad that they blew the whistle. I then just wanted to hit a free throw and get the game over with.”

Cassopolis coach Ricky Evans was confident that his senior would convert at the line.

“I wasn’t worried about that,” said Evans, whose 11-8 team will face New Buffalo for the district championship Friday at 7 p.m. at Brandywine High School. “J.J. shoots free throws very well. He’s one of our best free throw shooters.”

Brandywine coach Nathan Knapp was asked after the game if he felt there was a foul before the time expired.

“We’re here for the kids’ safety,” said Knapp, whose team finishes at 6-14. “Austin said he didn’t push him. He said he was trying to avoid a collision. The kid had a shot and time expired. I understand the safety issues of the whole thing. It’s been our luck all season.”

Trevon’s steal and basket with 13 seconds left pulled the Rangers within 47-45. Brown was also fouled on the play, but he missed the free throw. Teammate Lynell Ballard grabbed the rebound and scored to tie the game at 47 with 11 ticks left on the clock.

“Our team didn’t give up,” Evans said. “Our kids stuck together and believed and we ended up pulling it out.”

The game featured runs by both teams. Cassopolis had a 16-0 run in the first half to take a 24-18 lead and Brandywlne followed that up with an 8-0 run to finish the first half. The Bobcats finished the third quarter with a 9-2

run to take a 39-33 lead after three quarters.

“I knew it was going to be a hard fought game,” Evans said. “Luckily, we came out on top. Give Brandywine credit. They played a heck of a game.”

Lynell Ballard scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Rangers. Brandon Glover added 10 points and Cornelius Glass had nine.

Austin Knapp scored 18 points, pulled down five rebounds and blocked two shots for the Bobcats.

 

Cassopolis 48, Brandywine 47

CASSOPOLIS 48

Brandon Glover 10, Cornelius Glass 9, Lynell Ballard 13, J.J. Smith 1, Vashawn Morgan 7, Noah Woods 2, Trevon Brown 4, Malik Ballard 2, Travis Edwards 0. TOTALS: 21 5-7 48

BRANDYWINE 47

Zach Schmidt 7, Andrew Boocher 5, Isaac Davis 9, Andrew Duckett 3, Austin Knapp 18, Matt Vaughn 2, Collin Nichols 0, Seth Brown 3. TOTALS: 16 9-13 47

 

Cassopolis                  12       24       33       48

Brandywine               18       26       39       47

Cassopolis 1 (Morgan), Brandywine 6 (Davis 3, Schmidt 2, Brown). Total fouls (fouled out): Cassopolis 16 (Morgan), Brandywine 14 (none). Shooting: Cassopolis 21-of-49 for 43-percent, Brandywine 16-of-38 for 42-percent. Rebounding: Cassopolis 26 (L. Ballard 11), Brandywine 21 (Boocher 7). Turnovers: Cassopolis 15, Brandywine 20. Records: Cassopolis 11-8, Brandywine 6-14