Down to four, 7th grade still wins, championship bound

**HIGHLIGHTS BELOW**

In almost a mirror image of how the girls in the 7th grade won their championship last season, the boys, who were down to four players for the last two minutes of the game, won the most exciting St. Mary's game in the last several years 49-45, and are going to the championship.

The Red Team stormed out to a 16-8 lead and the undefeated (8-0) Epiphany had no clue what hit them. They extended their biggest lead a few minutes into the second quarter 23-10, but that's when Epiphany came storming back.

Epiphany was incredibly fast and their quickness showed in their 13-0 run to end the first half. They were able to push the ball off of some turnovers and rebounds, and just like that, the game was tied 23-23 at halftime.

A big factor in their run was when Miles picked up his fourth foul of the game midway through the second.

To start the third, the Red Team jumped right back on top, thanks to some great rebounding and outlet passes, which lead to numerous fast breaks. They played a solid third and went into the fourth quarter with a 33-30 lead.

This team seems geared for the fourth quarter, and they came out storming in the final and most important seven minutes of their season. Again, Miles was dominating the glass. Jeremy and Justin were running the fast break like it was practice. They pushed their lead to 11 points midway through the fourth.

Hanging on to a 45-40 lead with less than two minutes to go, Miles fouled out, committing his fifth foul of the game. The 7th grade played the final two minutes short-handed 5-on-4.

Epiphany split a pair of free throws, to make it a four point game. Then Michael F. hit a bank shot to extend the St. Mary's lead to six. Michael F. was 4-for-4 from the field and had 8 crucial points.

An Epiphany three would cut the lead in half, but Justin iced the game when he split his free-throws with 10.9 seconds left.

A desperation three ball went wide and the celebration began. The St. Mary's faithful who outnumbered Epiphany fans in their home gym went ballistic.

This game was an instant classic -- a roller coaster ride for the ages that everyone will remember for years to come.

Miles had a career-high 18 points. Justin also netted a career-high with 12 points, while Jeremy poured in 11 points.

Their championship game is scheduled for next Saturday.