Fall 2008
Jr. Bills Beat Vianney, Then Fall To Statesmen in District Final
On Wednesday night, February 20, the Jr. Billiken varsity basketball team played the Vianney Golden Griffins for the 3rd time this season. The Jr. Billikens were hoping to build on their previous success, having beaten Vianney both times. The game did not start out well as the Jr. Bills dug themselves into an 11-0 deficit. The team, sparked by junior Darrin Young, scrapped back to trail by only 3 at halftime. In the second half the game seesawed back and forth. This was the type of game that the team with the ball last was going to win the game. Vianney had a chance to build on a 3 point lead with a under 2 minutes remaining, but missed a few free throws that could have put the game out of reach. Andy Hill capitalized with a bank 3-pointer with about 18 seconds remaining to tie the game. The Griffins had a chance to win it, but missed an open look and the Jr. Bills rebounded and called timeout with 3.6 seconds remaining. Darrin Young took the inbounds pass and took two dribbles, then attempted to hoist a desperation shot just over half court. Vianney, in an attempt to make things difficult, tried to foul before the shot, having a foul to give. Fortunately for the Jr. Bills, the foul took place on the shot. Darrin Young calmly knocked down all three free throws with 1.1 seconds remaining to win the game 38-35. That gave the team a second chance at the Webster Groves Statesmen in the district championship. Unfortunately, the result was similar as Webster beat the Jr. Bills again. It was the end of the line for this year's team. Good luck and thank you seniors.
