The end result is just what John Myers had predicted–or hoped for.
The coach of the boys’ basketball team at Bordentown Regional High School inspired his players with some crucial advice during a timeout late in a tie game against Rancocas Valley Regional High School on Jan. 8.
“I told them, ‘This is not anything we can’t do. Even if we miss, we’re going to have another opportunity because we’d been playing such great defense,” Myers said. “They got the great steal and off we went.”
In the closing seconds of the game, the Scotties forced a turnover at halfcourt and then Jordan Martin scored on a layup before the final buzzer to lift Bordentown to a 68-66 victory.
That result set off a celebration with the players and fans on Bordentown’s home court.
“I love this team, and when they played as hard as they did in that second half, they’re dangerous,” Myers said. “I’m so proud of them. We’ve got to keep this going.”
In the closing minutes, the lead changed hands numerous times.
Martin provided the Scotties with a 65-62 edge when he sank a three-point basket with 1:30 to play int he final period. But the visiting school from Mount Holly tied the game at 66-66 and even gained possession with 14 seconds to play.
Myers’ inspiring words during the ensuing timeout sparked the defensive effort that led to a turnover and then Martin’s winning basket.
The victory capped a strong second-half rally by Bordentown, which faced a 13-point deficit at halftime.
Again it was Myers who delivered the key words that got the message across to the Scotties.
In the third period, Bordentown erupted for 31 points and gained the lead entering the fourth quarter.
Myers said he took the halftime break to speak with his team and ask for more determination in their play to make a comeback.
“I told them, ‘It’s all up to you. Coaching has nothing to do with it right now,’” he said. “It’s all about attitude. It’s all about having a passion for something, and when you have a passion for something, it hurts when you lose, but the joy of when you win and succeed, having passion, it’s wonderful.”
Martin and Christian Burnett each finished with 19 points to lead Bordentown. Burnett also came through 14 rebounds and Roshon Vankline recorded 14 points to contribute to the victory.
Bordentown, which played on the road at Pemberton on Jan. 17, is home to Moorestown on Jan. 18.
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