A stunning clutch performance ended with Orchard Lake St. Mary’s losing to a buzzer-beater in a nail-biting finish. Brother Rice’s Jacob Lamb scored the game-winning layup that sealed a dramatic 66-64 victory and created an unforgettable moment in this intense rivalry.
The CHSL boys basketball showdown proved worthy of its billing as a clash of titans. The game featured #3-ranked Brother Rice (14-1) against #2-ranked Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (8-6). Brother Rice’s thrilling victory has strengthened their position as serious championship contenders and showed they know how to perform when the stakes are high.
Last-Second Drama Unfolds
The final minutes of this intense matchup took dramatic turns. Junior guard Jacob Lamb struggled with turnovers and missed free throws in the fourth quarter but emerged as an unexpected hero.
The game looked destined for overtime as tension peaked. Williams and Grays had already delivered spectacular performances. They each hit three 3-pointers. Williams scored 22 points while Grays added 21 points to keep Brother Rice’s hopes alive.
A defining moment unfolded in the game’s final seconds. Lamb displayed amazing athleticism as he rushed in from the opposite block. He grabbed possession and launched an off-balance shot with about nine-tenths of a second left that found its target. The gymnasium erupted immediately. Lamb’s teammates and the packed crowd stormed the court and surrounded him.
“That wasn’t our prettiest, but we found a way to get it done,” Warriors’ head coach Rick Palmer said while celebrating his team’s eleventh straight win. Palmer highlighted his team’s resilience and added, “We talk about being us, and being us is playing through the whistle through the horn.”
The win meant everything to the Warriors, especially with such an electric atmosphere. “Our student section came out. They did what they’re supposed to do and we had to win the game,” Grays said as he reflected on their achievement.
Brother Rice’s Championship Quest
Brother Rice’s remarkable season keeps gaining momentum with head coach Rick Palmer at the helm. The Warriors have built an impressive 14-1 record. Their current winning streak stands at ten games, showing they have what it takes to win a championship.
The Warriors’ offense has stayed strong throughout their winning run. They’ve scored 68 or more points in eight games. The team now ranks third in the state, proving they can compete with the best.
Senior captain Logan Hamama shows what the team stands for. “Our goal is to win the state championship right now,” states Hamama. His impact on the court speaks volumes – his plus-minus stat is 30 points higher than any teammate through 11 games.
The Warriors’ success comes from their talented roster:
- Greg Grays Jr., who has already surpassed 1,000 career points
- Trevor Smith, holding offers from Central Michigan and Detroit Mercy
- David Williams, with commitments from Albion College
Assistant coach Jim Zigulich makes a big difference in the team’s growth. “Working with our student-athletes to keep the winning tradition of the program is very important to me,” notes Zigulich. His steadfast dedication helps create a culture of excellence that goes beyond the court.
The team’s championship dreams come from their solid performance all season. “Just getting to Calihan is hard,” Palmer acknowledges. “We want to play three games there – the championship, operation friendship, and the quarterfinals. That is our goal every year”.
Historic Rivalry Continues
This Catholic League rivalry between these powerhouses goes back decades. Each game adds a new chapter to their competitive story. St. Mary’s owned the series in the 2023-24 season and won four straight games against Brother Rice. The Warriors managed to keep their fighting spirit after winning the Catholic League title last year.
These matchups have created unforgettable moments over the years. St. Mary’s pulled off a shocking win in March 2023 and beat the No. 1 ranked Brother Rice 57-50 to claim the district championship. Packed gyms and electric crowds show just how intense this rivalry is, as seen in their January 2024 clash.
Junior Trey McKenney, who did not play, has become the new face of this historic rivalry. “Ever since I’ve been at St. Mary’s, we’ve never beaten them in the regular season, so we had to make a statement,” McKenney said earlier. His game-changing performances have included 26 points in their vital district championship win.
This rivalry means more than just regular season games. Both teams often meet in championship matches. St. Mary’s coach Todd Covert’s team has won three Bishop championships in six years. Both sides have shown balanced scoring and competitive fire, with many games coming down to the final minutes.
Of course, Brother Rice’s thrilling victory shows their championship DNA and resilient spirit. The team knows how to win in pressure-packed moments. Their outstanding 14-1 record makes them legitimate title contenders. Jacob Lamb’s heroic buzzer-beater adds an unforgettable chapter to this storied rivalry between Catholic League powerhouses.
The Warriors build championship momentum with each game. Their balanced scoring attack combines with Logan Hamama’s senior leadership and Coach Palmer’s strategic guidance to create a strong foundation for postseason success. St. Mary’s proven track record will give future matchups the same electric atmosphere and competitive intensity that makes this rivalry special.
This game ended up exceeding a simple win or loss – it showcases high school basketball at its finest. The Warriors’ determination to play through the final whistle shows their season-long dedication to excellence. They have set the stage for an exciting trip toward their championship goals.
