Falcons come back with close win over Wildcats

The South Whidbey boys basketball team fought back from an eight-point deficit to beat Archbishop Murphy 63-62 to the cheers of hundreds of Falcon fans Friday.

The South Whidbey boys basketball team fought back from an eight-point deficit to beat Archbishop Murphy 63-62 to the cheers of hundreds of Falcon fans Friday.

The game went down to the wire. With four seconds left, Falcon Jordan Thornley was fouled, then picked up one to make it 63-60.

The Wildcats raced down court in a last-ditch recovery effort; Wildcat Zach Smith was double-fouled and awarded three tries from the foul line.

Smith’s first two shots whispered through the net, but his third — which would have forced the game into overtime — bounced off the rim.

Falcon coach Chris Ferrier said his team showed resolve and total commitment.

“We switched to the zone press on defense and really slowed them down,” he said. “Every guy played with skill and determination; every guy contributed tonight.”

Wildcat coach Greg Turcott said South Whidbey played great and they deserved the win.

“We tried to execute on offense and defense; we played a good game, but in this league you have to play great, especially on the road. They did; we didn’t,” he said.