Robinson Stick-Back Lifts Zane Trace Over Unioto

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The Zane Trace Pioneers remain unbeaten in SVC Boys Basketball to open second round play, rallying late to edge the Unioto Shermans 65-63, closing the game on a 9-1 run.

Trailing 62-56 with 4:00 left in the game, the Pioneers battled back to even the score 63-63 on a Xzander Ream three-pointer from the left wing with 2:48 to play. From there, both teams tried unsuccessfully to hold the ball for a final possession, turning it over on fouls and turnovers.

Holding the ball in the closing minute, Unioto was called for an offensive foul to give the ball back to Zane Trace, who held the ball for the final shot. A Xzander Ream missed shot from the right side, was rebounded by Nalin Robinson, who put the ball back up for the winning shot.

Here is the final play and Mike Smith’s post-game interview with Zane Trace Coach Gary Kellough:

Zane Trace’s Nalin Robinson stick-back lifts Pioneers to 65-63 comeback win at Unioto. Later, Coach Gary Kellough talks with Litter’s Mike Smith after the game. pic.twitter.com/xO5InDx9Ad
— Litter Media (@litter_media) January 15, 2023

Unioto jumped out to a 4-0 start, with Zane Trace taking their first lead at 9-8. The Pioneers led 20-19 after the first quarter and 35-33 at halftime. In the third quarter, Unioto built leads of 51-46 before ZT cut that deficit to 51-50 after three quarters.

The Shermans led 62-56 prior to the Pioneers closing 9-1 run for the win.

Both teams were red-hot from the field. The Pioneers shot 22/36- including an incredible 11/18 from three-point range for a total of 61%. They added 10/13 from the foul line. Unioto shot 26/48 from the field- including 6/12 from the arc for a total of 54%. The Shermans added 10/12 from the charity stripe.

Zane Trace committed 18 turnovers to only 5 for Unioto. The Pioneers grabbed 23 rebounds to Unioto’s 13.

Zane Trace had four players in double figures, led by Xzander Ream’s 19 points. Brock Jarrell added 13, Nalin Robinson 12- including the game winner, Landen Jarrell 11 points, Kyle Stonerock and Carter Langley with 5 each, and Landon Robinson with 2 points.

Unioto’s Blake Hoops scored 22 points, Newt Hoops and Blake Fitch each had 9 points, KB Perkins 8, Jordan Perkins 7, Zeke Schobelok 6 and Maddox Fox with 2 points.

Zane Trace improves to (8-0/11-2) and Unioto falls to (4-4/7-6) on the season.