Jasper Basketball Homecoming 2002

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by Austin Bunn

Sports Editor

Jasper Homecoming 2002 was definitely a night to remember when the Jasper Eagles hosted the Dadeville Bearcats.  With what started out a 25-9 Jasper lead at the end of the 1^st quarter, quickly turned into a four point close game going into half time.

            The second half would have see poor free throw shooting from both teams.   Numerous times, both teams had the opportunity to put the game away.   So the game would head into overtime. 

There were too many fouls to count, and both teams were losing players quickly.  Again at the end of overtime, both teams could have won the game, but failed to convert their free throws. 

The game was headed for double overtime.   Things would start to tense up in this second four minute period.   On a missed shot, Jasper’s Zack Hartley grabbed the ball, and turned with his elbows high.  He was hit by Dadeville’s Charlie Toller, which made Hartley swing again and bring his leg around.  This play did not please the referees.  Toller would be charged with a technical foul and Hartley would be tossed from the game.

This would set the stage for the end of the second overtime.  With time winding down, Dadeville shot from the top of the key, got the rebound, missed the put back shot, got the rebound, dribbled out a step, shot again, missed, got the rebound, and put it back up.   This time, on a controversial call, the ball would go through the hoop.  With both teams’ fans going crazy in the stands, one of the Refs runs to half court waving the basket was no good.  This would change the tone of the yelling by the Jasper crowd, and upset the Dadeville crowd who thought they’d just won the game.

This put the game in what could possibly be the first ever third overtime in Jasper basketball history.   The ball would go back and forth, until with about two minutes remaining, Jimmy Smith would drain a three pointer and put the Eagles up by four.   Jasper suddenly could not miss a free throw (why they could not have made them early on we may never know). 

The very long and exciting Homecoming game would go to Jasper.  Despite having two players foul out and one thrown out.  Dadeville would play most of the final two minutes of the third overtime with mainly junior varsity players, as six Bearcats fouled out.  

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