The Monarchs got big plays down the stretch by Tyler Lamb and Gary Franklin, a huge no call to end things, for a 68-65 victory over Etiwanda in the IAA title game.
Trailing by three points, with 5.2 seconds to go after two David Brown free throws, Etiwanda's point guard Jordan Daniels passed the ball into the right corner to Evan Jenkins, behind the 3-point arc.
He appeared to be fouled, preventing him from releasing the shot just before the buzzer sounded but there was no call, ending the game.
The replay on the monitor for the Fox Sports broadcast appeared to show Mater Dei sophomore Eli Stalzer grab and yanked Jenkins' left arm as he attempted to go up for the potential score-tying shot, with Keala King also near the shooter.
Bailed out? Yes, a foul should have been called. However, Etiwanda put themselves in a position needing a 3-pointer or a foul to have a chance for OT. And that was no guarantee. Etiwanda's star Wesley missed his last 4 free throws alone and Etiwanda's handling of the ball in the last two minutes was a hot mess. MD played their worst game of the year and it still was too much for Etiwanda.
Bailed out by Transfers, who live no where near Santa Ana, and the refs.
That's no surprise, Mater Dei played with eight guys all year. Ha!
I don't really think the no call at the end was the deciding factor. Remember Etiwanda missed way too many free throws and I still can't figure out why Etiwanda did not call a time out the possession before instead of shooting an air ball. Anyway what were the chances of the Eagles making 3 free throws in a row at that point? I will be at Etiwanda tonight to see Poly for the first time this year.