POMEROY, Ohio (WOUB) — After dropping an important game with conference title applications against Vinton County, the Meigs Marauders bounced back with some late game heroics against Nelsonville-York.
The Buckeyes spent a significant portion of their season with many key pieces out of the lineup, but Friday’s game marked the first game where they were relatively at full strength.
Coulter Cleland got the Marauders off to a quick start as a facilitator early on in the game, dishing out six assists in the first quarter alone.
The main benefactor was Ethan Stewart, who made his mark behind the arc. Stewart made five three-pointers, and finished the game with 17 points on 55% shooting.
Meigs had kept up their intensity on both sides of the floor in the first half, but Nelsonville-York was able to hang around and only trail by five points heading into the locker room.
In the third quarter, the Buckeyes found some kinks in Meigs’ armor, by breaking their zone defense and nailing three-pointers before the Marauders could rotate in time.
The lead continued to get chipped away until the scoreboard read 66-66 with less than 45 seconds to go.
Meigs Marauders coach Jeremy Hill speaks to his team during a huddle during their game against the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Coulter Cleland, 2, of the Meigs Marauders jumps for a shot in their game against the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Fans watch as the Meigs Marauders play the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes who went on to win 70-66 in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
Ethan Stewart celebrates the Meigs Marauders 70-66 victory over the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes with his teammates inside of the locker room, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022.
The Meigs Marauders student section reacts to Coulter Clelands scoring a free throw in the last minute of the game against the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Keagan Swope, 14, of the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes drives towards the hoop during the Buckeyes game against the Meigs Marauders, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Drew Carter, 3, of the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes takes a jump-shot during their game against the Meigs Marauders, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Keagan Swope, 14, of the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes jumps into the air before taking a shot during the Buckeyes game against the Meigs Marauders, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Hands are seen recovering a rebound during the Meigs Marauders and Nelsonville-York Buckeyes basketball game, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
James Koska, 2, of the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes drives towards the hoop during the Buckeyes game against the Meigs Marauders, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
Drew Carter, 3, of the Nelsonville-York Buckeyes takes a jump-shot during their game against the Meigs Marauders, in Pomeroy, Ohio, on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. The Marauders went on to win 70-66.
With the game needing a hero, Cleland put on his cape and put the team on his shoulders. He penetrated to the paint and put in an insane finish plus the foul that sent Pomeroy to hysteria.
After the missed free throw giving the Buckeyes a chance to tie or take the lead in their ensuing possession, Cleland picked Nelsonville-York’s Drew Carter’s pocket with 11 seconds to go.
After being fouled, Cleland made no mistake, nailing both free throws to seal the deal, giving the Marauders the victory by a final score of 70-66.
Cleland’s performance resulted in 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, leaving coach Jeremy Hill impressed beyond belief.
“He’s my hero, he put the team on his shoulders,” said coach Hill. “He was the reason we won that game today.”
Meigs will look to build momentum for their final playoff push when they travel to take on the Athens Bulldogs Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
