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.

Keyser Defeats Hampshire in OT, 86-83

Cumberland Times News

KEYSER — Keyser converted 34 of 53 foul shots, including nine out of 12 in overtime to defeat Hampshire 86-83 in an Appalachian Mountain Athletic Conference Friday night at Keyser.

Matt Wilmer scored 39 points with a 17-for-21 performance at the foul line and also had six rebounds, three assists and two steals to lead the Golden Tornado Preston Hartman contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Jeremy Green scored 14 points, including six of the 13 overtime points. Cody Spotts dished out nine nine assists and had four steals.

Hampshire was led by Will Hughes with 29 points, Justin Combs 13 and John Binotto. The Trojans made only five of 10 foul shots and had five players foul out.

Keyser led 13-7 after one period, 33-22 at halftime ,and 56-51entering the fourth quarter. Regulation play ended with score tied at 73.

Keyser won the junior varsity game 67-48 with Wes Stullenbarger and R.C. Pratt scoring 17 points each. Tyler Noonan had 23 points for Hampshire.

Both teams will play at home on Monday. Keyser (4-3) faces Bishop Walsh. Hampshire (0-6) takes on Hedgesville.