Gilmanton boys come up short in triple OT thriller at Indy

by Derric Gray, student writer

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the Gilmanton boys basketball team traveled to Independence to take on the Indees.

Both teams came into this one looking for an important conference win. Independence started out hot making their 3s, but Gilmanton kept up, going into the half with a score of 33-30, Independence on top.

The second half went back and forth as both teams battled it out. With under a minute left in the second half Independence was on top 58-55. Gilmanton knew they had to score as time was about to run out, when senior Derric Gray hit a “3” to tie the score and eventually lead to overtime.

Yet the excitement was far from over. One overtime wasn’t enough for these two teams as they went into triple overtime. With seconds remaining in the third OT, the Panthers had to foul and the Indees made their free throws resulting in a 72-70 triple overtime loss for the Panthers.

Freshman Tanner Hovey led the team with 26 points and three assists, followed by senior Nick Urness with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Damontae Dewitt also contributed with 12 points and two blocks.

The Panthers will continue Dairyland Conference play on Thursday, Jan. 14, at Melrose-Mindoro.