Lyman Ward Wins Final Game on Buzzer Beater

By Dusty Harper

(This article is reprinted with permission from Alexander City Outlook)

The Lyman Ward Rangers missed out on the AISA playoffs by one game, but that didn't stop them from giving fans a happy ending in their season finale in Camp Hill against Dixie Academy.

With the Rangers trailing the Rebels 61-59, Amory Thompson drained a 3-pointer with :02 left in the game to give LWMA a win and fans a reason to storm the court.

"It was an electric atmosphere - you would've thought we just won the state championship," said Ranger head coach Jeff Damron of the post-game celebration. "It was an outstanding effort from both teams. Either one of us could've won.

"Amory is a player," Damron said. "He has a lot of potential and for him to step up as a freshman is big. It was a great moment for him and for our team."

The win improved the Rangers' final record to 7-13. The top seven teams make the postseason, and LWMA came in eighth.

"I'm disappointed we missed the playoffs, but not despondent," Damron said. "It's been a long time since any team at Lyman Ward has won seven games. We played a little better in the first half of the season than the second half, but this was a good way to go out.

"We judge our sucess from a behavioral standpoint as well, and this season was outstanding in terms of sportsmanship," Damron said. "The guys displayed exemplary conduct, and I'm proud of them."

Thompson closed the night with 19 points and three 3-pointers. Justin Minor, who is one of two seniors who will be leaving the team along with Zavious Darling, led the way with 31 points. Minor averaged 23 points per game this season.

Justin Quinn finished with eight points and eight steals. He and Thompson are both freshman, which means the Rangers have a bright future with two young guards in their backcourt.

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