Orono and Benilde-St. Margaret’s played out the game of the year Thursday night in the section 6AAA final. Both teams combined for three buzzer beaters in the double-overtime game – ending with a half court shot for an Orono win.
Down 67-70 with 2.4 seconds left in regulation, Benilde inbounded the ball and quickly worked it up to Jaleel Donley, who banked a long range three off the backboard for the late equalizer to send the game to overtime. Pandemonium ensued with the home team bench swarming Donley and celebrating the game saving bucket.
A lay-up from Orono’s Brady Wooley as time expired in overtime then tied the game up at 73.
With 6.5 seconds left in the second overtime BSM held a narrow 84-83 lead when Jayden Daisy missed a free throw. Orono’s Nolan Groves fought for the rebound and rushed forward, heaved up a half court shot and sunk the game winning shot.
GAME OF THE YEAR!!!
There were 3 buzzer beaters in tonight’s section 6AAA final between Benilde-St. Margaret’s vs. Orono.
Jaleel Donley bank-in three to end regulation. 70-70.
Brady Wooley lay-in at the end of OT. 73-73.
Nolan Groves HALF-COURT buzzer-beater in 2OT. 86-84. pic.twitter.com/tb1xBrUyX8
— Chaz Mootz (@ChazMootzCCX) March 15, 2024
Orono join Mankato East, Minneapolis South, DeLaSalle, Totino-Grace, Chisago Lakes and Alexandra Area as teams to make the Class AAA state tournament.
Only one other Class AAA final is yet to be decided with Stewartville and Byron playing in the section 1AAA final Friday night.
The state boys high school basketball tournament brackets will be announced Saturday.
NOLAN GROVES FROM HALF COURT IN DOUBLE OVERTIME TO SEND THE SPARTANS TO STATE‼️‼️‼️
Orono defeats BSM in double OT by a score of 86-84. The Spartans are crowned Section 6AAA Champions and punch their ticket to the MSHSL State Tournament. pic.twitter.com/nbCS6tJFDU
— Orono Spartans (@OronoSpartans) March 15, 2024
