Twin Springs surges in overtime to advance to Region 1D semifinals

NICKELSVILLE — It took four extra minutes, but that was fine with Twin Springs. Jayden Schwartz canned a 3 at the buzzer to force overtime for Chilhowie, but the Titans took control in the extra period, out-scoring the Warriors, 11-2, in the extra period to escape with a 59-50 Region 1D quarterfinal victory in front of the always-boisterous Big Red Army fan base. "We have played some overtime earlier in the year and I think that prepared us for tonight," Twin Springs head coach Ty Webb said. "I thought the guys did a good job coming out in overtime and resetting our minds and getting back to playing basketball." Twin Springs (15-8) will face Grundy in the Region 1D semifinals on Friday at Grundy's Riverview Elementary/Middle School, with the winner advancing to the finals on Saturday against either Eastside or Grundy, while also earning a Class 1 state tournament berth. "It is a big game," said Webb, whose Titans won consecutive Region 1D crowns before falling the short the last two seasons. "We are fortunate to be able to move on and be able to play so we are looking forward to playing whoever it is that comes next." Chilhowie (15-11) led 2-0 and spent the rest of the game trying to catch up with the Titans, trailing 25-16 at halftime and 41-33 going into the final period when the Warriors charged back. "We turned the ball over a few times there and they started hitting some shots," Webb said. "Our defense kind of got a little lax, but we found a way to buckle back in and come out with the win." Asher Chapman pulled the Warriors even at 43-43 with 3:55 to play, but the Titans went right back up, building a 47-43 lead before another Chapman's free throw and a 3 at the buzzer by Schwartz to send it to overtime. "We know he is a great shooter so it was not real surprising," Webb said. "We tried to do our best to not give him a clean shot and he made it anyway so a great shot by him." Twin Springs took the lead back on a bucket by Eli Dougherty, who finished with 13 points, while Brennon Weddle and Pietro Liberatore added buckets of their own as the Titans pulled away in the extra period. Clay Ross paced the Titans with 22 points, while Liberatore tallied 17 in the win. "They were really attacking the rim well and shooting it well," Webb said. "Free throws were hit or miss, but for the most part I thought we did a good job finishing around the rim and converting." Chapman, who led Chilhowie with 17 points, scored the Warriors lone bucket in overtime, joined Schwartz — who added 13 — with a trio of 3s apiece, while Luke Mullinax added 10 points for the Warriors. Twin Springs will be represented well at Grundy on Friday, with the Titans' girls taking on Honaker at 4 p.m. in the Region 1D semifinal. Webb's male Titans will face Grundy at 8:30 p.m., with a berth in the Class 1 state tournament at stake for the winning teams. "That is something that is special this year is that we both have a chance to continue playing and we will see how far we can both go," Webb said. As normal, the Big Red Army fan base was out in full force for both Titans' squads. "We love to see them come out. It is a special thing about playing here and being here," Webb said. "The people in this community really love basketball season. To have nights like this, to have two really good teams on the floor and our girls are playing as well, it is really special."