Story by Ed Townsend
GRAHAMSVILLE – January 15 — In a battle for first place in OCIAA Division V, S.S. Seward eked out a 54-49 overtime victory against Tri-Valley last Thursday night at Grahamsville.
Both teams entered this pivotal game undefeated in the league at 3-0. They engaged in a tough, back-and-forth contest which ultimately came down to who held on to the ball – Tri-Valley commited 21 turnovers and Seward just 12. The Spartans’ physical interior defense also played a big role in the game, especially in overtime.
Tri-Valley jumped out to an 11-6 first quarter lead, but Seward picked up the offense in the second quarter, outscoring the Bears 15-10 to even the score at halftime 21-21.
Seward increased the lead to seven points entering the final quarter. But a determined Tri-Valley team parlayed three pointers by Rodney Jester and Cody Exner and driving layups and several key foul shots by Shatik Smith to outscore Seward 16-8 and force overtime.
Seward dominated the overtime as Marquis Gonzalez scored all seven of Seward's points while Tri-Vallet could manage just two foul shots by Smith.
The victory improved Seward’s record to 6-2, 4-0 league. Tri-Valley fell to 6-3, 3-1 league.
Shatik Smith had 19 points for Tri-Valley followed by 11 for Cody Exner and eight for James Pugh.
Gonzalez led the Spartans with 19 points.