The Oldenburg Academy Twisters gave the eventual sectional champions a run for their money in the semifinal round on Friday night.
The Twisters were defeated by Shawe Memorial 47-43 in the first game at South Decatur High School.
Coach Gary Moorman’s crew had the tempo they wanted and led 9-8 at the end of the first quarter.
The two teams battled back and forth the entire period. Guard Michael Maple gave the Twisters the one point edge with a 3-pointer from deep in the corner at the :32 mark.
The Hilltoppers responded with a three point advantage in the second quarter to take a 21-19 lead into the intermission.
Maple hit four of his game-high seven 3-pointers in the third quarter to keep the Twisters close. The only other field goal in the third quarter was a trey from Jim Moorman. The Hilltoppers held on to a 35-34 lead at the end of the quarter.
The Twisters, who did not have a two point field goal or a free throw in the fourth quarter, added three more long range baskets to account for nine points.
With all the heroics from behind the 3-point line, it was the one that did not go in that left the OA faithful amazed. Maple rattled one in and out that even the coach thought was good.
“I have never seen anything like it,” Moorman commented. “It was in and somehow popped out.”
The Twisters trailed 41-40 at the time of the shot with just over 40 seconds to play in the game.
The biggest difference in the game came at the free throw line. The Hilltoppers were 20-of-23 from the charity stripe, while the Twisters attempted only five shots.
Maple finished with a game-high 23 points, including a season best seven 3-pointers. Jason Strasemeier was second on the team with 10.
Shawe was led by Scroggins with 13 and Kring with 10.
The Twisters finished the season with a record of 8-13.
