Briarwood Christian School’s basketball team achieved a thrilling victory on January 23, 2024, as Charlie Caldwell’s buzzer-beater lifted the Lions to a narrow 61-60 win over the Hueytown Golden Gophers. The decisive moment came after the Lions trailed by one point with just seconds left on the clock. Wide receiver Sam Canale, stepping in as a quarterback on the court, delivered a perfect pass to Caldwell, who made a spectacular layup that sealed the game.
Game Highlights and Team Performance
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling initially to find their rhythm. Briarwood managed to secure an 11-8 lead by the end of the first quarter, thanks to Canale’s five points and contributions from Caldwell and Drew Mears. In the second quarter, the Lions’ offense began to flourish. Zeke Witt scored two field goals and converted three of four free throws, while Caldwell added five points, including a crucial three-point play. Tory Smith also made an impact with a three-pointer, helping Briarwood establish a 28-20 halftime lead.
As the third quarter unfolded, both teams matched each other’s scoring with 18 points apiece. Mears showcased his skills, contributing eleven points during this period, while Canale added six more to push Briarwood ahead 46-38. Despite their efforts, the Gophers were not finished. They surged in the final quarter, scoring 22 points and taking a brief 60-59 lead.
Final Moments and Player Contributions
In the crucial final moments, Canale’s vision and composure shone through. With the clock winding down, he spotted Caldwell making a break toward the basket and executed a lobbed pass that found its mark. Caldwell’s layup, executed with precision, sent the Briarwood student section into a frenzy as they celebrated the dramatic victory.
Mears led Briarwood’s scoring with a total of 17 points. Canale contributed 15 points, while Witt added 14 points and Caldwell finished with 10, including the game-winning shot. Smith rounded out the scoring with five points, all in the first half. This victory improved Briarwood’s overall record to 18-9, and they will continue their five-game homestand on January 28, 2024, at 19:30 when they host the Westminster School at Oak Mountain Knights.
The thrilling finish not only showcased the team’s resilience but also highlighted the support of sponsors like Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union, who have been instrumental in covering the season’s events.
