One of the best things about sports is the unpredictability. Most of the time, whether it’s a random 6th grade “B” squad game, a Varsity state championship or an NBA Finals game 7, you have a normal contest and a standard outcome. Sure, scores are closer than others, just like some are more exciting than others.
But any time that ball tips, puck drops or first pitch takes place, something magical may happen. The kind of lef-changing moments where everyone involved will never be the same afterward. And it can happen anywhere, anytime, any event.
Call me hyperbolic but it’s true. Hitting a game-winning shot, a walk-off homerun or scoring an overtime goal… those are life-changing moments for all involved. No matter the sport or level of play, we’re talking about events that most athletes remember for the rest of their lives.
And we had one of those moments on Thursday night in a double overtime section 6AAA championship matchup between Orono and Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the Minnesota class 6AAA boys section championship game.
In fact, there were plenty of special moments to be had even before the half-court 2OT buzzer beater that finally sealed it. It started with a missed free throw, which led to a scrap for the rebound… and it was all history from there.
Elsewhere… boys Section Finals are taking place around the state.
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) March 15, 2024
Doubt there will be a wilder finish than the conclusion of this 2OT thriller between @OronoSpartans & @bsmredknights…!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/KW9k9PFrgZ
NOLAN GROVES FROM HALF COURT IN DOUBLE OVERTIME TO SEND THE SPARTANS TO STATE‼️‼️‼️
— Orono Spartans (@OronoSpartans) March 15, 2024
Orono defeats BSM in double OT by a score of 86-84. The Spartans are crowned Section 6AAA Champions and punch their ticket to the MSHSL State Tournament. pic.twitter.com/nbCS6tJFDU
Orono didn’t have a magical regular season, by any stretch, finishing 19-10. But sometimes, it’s not about how much magic. It’s about when the magic happens. And Orono saved their magic for the perfect time. Here is how the game got to OT, then 2OT in the first place… including a premature BSM court-storm.
This whole game was insane.
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) March 15, 2024
THREE BUZZER BEATERS!
First… this at the end of regulation… pic.twitter.com/poL6xDeSqY
THEN… this one at the end of OT!!
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) March 15, 2024
What a game. pic.twitter.com/HDfmTOKIcM
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