This story has been updated to fix a headline error.
ZANESVILLE — Wests Muskingum needed a hero. It was Noah Morrison who donned the cape.
The sophomore guard’s buzzer-beater lifted the Tornadoes to an edge-of-your-seat 59-57 overtime victory before a near-packed house against St. Clairsville on March 11 in a Division V regional semifinal at Zanesville High School’s Winland Memorial Gymnasium.
Tied with two seconds left in the extra session, West coach Cole Smith called timeout to strategize with the ball under the St. C basket.
Cade Porter made the floor-length pass that was tipped by St. Clairsville’s 6-foot-7 senior Griffin Straub before Morrison collected the loose ball. In one motion, he buried an 18-footer at the horn.
It capped a 21-point night for Morrison, who was mobbed by teammates and the student section after the game. It was another chapter to a burgeoning career — he set the school’s single-game scoring record earlier this season.
“We just put that play in (on Tuesday),” Morrison said. “I had full faith in my guys to run that play. I knew it was good as soon as it left my hand.”
Smith, in his first season, installed several plays for situations like this, and it was that preparation that helped extend a historic season.
West hasn’t been to a regional final since 1990.
“I had our guys ready and Noah made a great play,” Smith said. “He played all 36 minutes. He may only be a sophomore, but as our point guard he’s our leader. The other guys look to him, especially in big moments.”
That play wouldn’t have been possible without Carter Smith.
The Tornadoes led 44-38 entering the fourth quarter and 53-47 after a Morrison 3 with three minutes left.
But, the Red Devils scored six straight and were going for the win when Carter Smith blocked Straub in the final seconds to force overtime. Staub, East District Player of the Year, finished with a game-high 27 points.
Carter Smith had 12, in addition to multiple key defensive plays.
“Carter has bought into to being a physical presence around the rim,” Cole Smith said. “His skills translate to the defensive end. He made some big plays, and he has the right mentality to excel in that role.”
The game went back and forth from the outset.
The Tornadoes were up 30-26 at the half and led by as many as eight in the second quarter, but first-team All-East District pick Kyle Porter was whistled for his third foul early in the third. It forced Coach Smith to sit his top scorer.
Players like Gray Knowlton and Tavin Bennett, who had nine points each, delivered some key hoops in the second half. to help steer the Tornado ship.
Cole Smith said he trusts Knowlton off the bench and praised him for taking advantage of an opportunity under pressure.
“(Gray) is a good ball handler, but he can be physical and get his shot,” Cole Smith said. “He’s gaining valuable experience and makes the most of every second he’s on the floor. He has really embraced his role, too.”
West (22-5) now heads to Ohio University’s Convocation Center, the site of their last regional final, to face Ironton (23-2) at 5 p.m. for a state berth. Muskingum Valley League rival Maysville plays for a state bid in the game prior at 2:30 p.m.
The Tornadoes have enjoyed their magical run but aren’t satisfied.
“We’re focused on taking it one step at a time,” Morrison said. “But we’re excited to still be playing.”
X: @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Morrison Magic keeps season alive for West M in Sweet 16
Reporting by Brandon Hannahs, Special to the Times Recorder / Zanesville Times Recorder
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