NEWBURYPORT – In a nonleague boys basketball battle between two of Division 3’s best, J.J. Martinez was the difference.
The junior guard hit a game-winning layup as time expired to give St. Mary’s a thrilling 62-60 win over Newburyport on Wednesday night.
Martinez finished with 20 points for the Spartans.
“When he steps on the floor, he’s the best player on it.” said St Mary’s coach David Brown. “He might have nights where the shot isn’t falling, even tonight, but we want the ball in his hands in crucial situations.”
Added Martinez: “I feel good. It was a slow start for me, nothing was really falling but I kept my composure and helped my team get a win. It was really competitive with me and zero (Samuel Craig), he is a great guy. Talked on the court and we gave each other respect after.”
The first quarter got off to a fast start for St. Mary’s by getting out to a quick 9-2 lead. Newburyport battled back and went on a 11-2 run to nearly end the quarter before the Spartans hit a three as the quarter expired to take back the lead 14-13 at the end of one.
The second quarter was as back and forth as their were lead changes and four ties. Both teams exchanged layups and 3-pointers the whole quarter but it was the Clippers who found themselves with a three-point advantage, in large part to some great team offensive rebounding that kept possessions alive and gave second chances to make the score, 34-31.
To start the second half, Newburyport caught fire and got off to a 10-2 run with a few caused turnovers leading to transition points. Not to be outdone, Martinez started to take over.
He scored six straight for his team to end the run and ended up with eight of his team’s 17 points in the third as they brought the deficit to one 49-48.
The fourth quarter showed a defensive slugfest as both teams hardly gave up an inch for the rest of the game. In crunch time St. Mary’s had a four-point lead with 35 seconds to go, Newburyport hit a three to get within one. Both teams each shot a pair of free throws as they were in the bonus, with the Clippers making both and the Spartans missing one.
“It is nice that Newburyport is getting their respect for being in the top 20. They beat us last year and gave us all we could handle tonight,” added coach Brown after the victory.