Wilmer leads KHS past Trojans

Mineral Daily News Tribune

Keyser's Matt Wilmer (32) avoids an over-the-shoulder block by Hampshire's Joe Corbin and goes up for two of his career-high 39 points in the second half of the Golden Tornado's overtime win over the Trojans on Friday evening in Keyser. Looking on is Hampshire's Zachary Barie (22). Tribune photo by Raymond Burner

The Keyser Golden Tornado avoided yet another second-half collapse to hold off the Hampshire Trojans, 86-83, in overtime on Friday evening at Tornado Alley.

Golden Tornado head coach Gary Liston cited his team's second-half problems after blowing a 10-point halftime lead in a two-point loss to Allegany on Wednesday.

On Friday, Keyser led by 11 at the half, 33-22, only to see the winless Trojans battle back in the second half and force the extra session.

Hampshire cut its deficit to five points, 56-51, heading into the fourth quarter, and then outscored Keyser 22-17 in the final eight minutes to force overtime tied at 73-73.

In that extra session, Will Hughes laid in a shot to give Hampshire its first lead of the game, 80-79, with 1:48 left to play.

Jeremy Green answered with two free throws to put Keyser back on top, 81-80, and then Green tipped in a miss shot nearly a minute later for an 83-80 Keyser lead with 43 seconds remaining.

After a Hampshire miss, Preston Hartman pulled down the rebound and was immediately fouled. He calmly sank two more foul shots to give Keyser an 85-80 lead.

On the Trojans' next trip down the court, John Binotto drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to make it 85-83 with eight seconds left.

Matt Wilmer then hit 1-of-2 free throws to give Keyser an 86-83 lead with 2.3 seconds left, and Hampshire's desperation shot from half court fell short at the buzzer.

Wilmer, who went 17-for-21 from the free throw line, finished with a career-high 39 points to lead the Golden Tornado. He also had six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

Hartman finished with 19 points and a team-high 14 rebounds, while Green added 14 points.

Cody Spotts had eight points to go along with his team-high nine assists and four steals.

As a team, Keyser converted 34-of-53 free throws.

Hughes led Hampshire with 29 points, with 25 coming in the second half and overtime.

Justin Combs added 13 points for the Trojans (0-6) and Binotto finished with 10.

Keyser also won the JV game, 67-48.

Wes Stullenbarger and R.C. Pratt each had 17 points for Keyser, while Tony Amtower pulled down nine rebounds.

Tyler Nooman led Hampshire with 23 points.

Keyser (4-3) will return to action this Monday evening when it hosts Bishop Walsh, while Hampshire will also be at home Monday to host Hedgesville.

Both varsity games tip off at 7:30 p.m., with the JV games to start at 6 p.m.