It’s been a long time since Churchland has been in the hunt for an Eastern District boys title of any kind.
But that all changed Friday night as the Truckers moved into the driver’s seat of the district thanks to their stunning 53-46 victory over host Booker T. Washington.
The fourth-ranked Truckers (14-4, 8-2 Eastern) used a 12-5 run in the final three minutes to beat the No. 6 Bookers for the second time this season and create a tie for the district lead.
“We wanted to let them know that the first time we beat them wasn’t a fluke,” said Churchland guard Travis McClenny. “And we came in here with the mind set that we are the best team in the district.”
The Truckers, who trailed for much of the game, proved it in the fourth quarter.
Churchland battled back from a seven-point deficit to take a 41-39 lead with 5:26 left in the game. The Truckers missed a chance to push their lead to three but a field goal attempt was blocked off the backboard.
Churchland coach Arthur Zeno was furious when there wasn’t a goal-tending call. After a timeout, he headed toward the referee only to be held back by assistant coaches and players. Zeno was called for a technical foul.
The call gave Booker T. Washington two free throws and the ball.
“I told the kids coming in that I was going to fight for them in this hostile environment,” he said. “I felt like I had to show the kids that I was them.”
Churchland responded. Following the two made free throws, the Truckers went on an 8-0 run to take a 48-41 lead with 1:06 left.
“We knew it wasn’t a great call,” said McClenny about the shot. “But coach told us he was going to fight for us, and that’s what he did.”
McClenny finished with 13 points. Ricky Grant had 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Kris Sherard had nine points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
Grant and Sherard also held Bookers center Deshawn Painter to just six points.
Booker T. (10-8, 8-2) made just 2 of 11 field goals in the final four minutes.
Quinton Spady led the losers with 14 points.
“Anytime you can come in and beat Booker T. on their home court, that’s a huge win,” Zeno said. “But we’re not done yet. We want to win our last six games so we can win the district. That’s still our goal.”
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