Allison’s late free throws clinch Gators’ victory over Skyhawks

Green Valley had made just 2 of 6 free throws in the fourth quarter, and Thomas Allison had already missed the front end of a one-and-one.

But the senior guard stepped to the line and calmly nailed two free throws with two seconds left to seal Green Valley's 62-58 home win over Silverado.

Allison came off the bench to provide 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.

"He's played incredible for us since after Christmas break," Green Valley coach Lorenzo Jarvis said. "He's come into his own, he's gotten into a great rhythm and he's running our team. He's been a great leader out there."

Keiannte Wilkins had a big fourth quarter for the Gators (9-10, 5-3 Southeast League), scoring 11 of his 20 points in the final eight minutes.

But he nearly derailed his team's chances of holding on for the victory when he hoisted a 3-pointer with 33 seconds to go and the Gators leading 60-58.

Silverado (9-11, 4-4) rebounded and got two chances in the paint in the final 10 seconds before Green Valley regained possession.

"He really got into a rhythm," Jarvis said of Wilkins. "He's a heck of a scorer once he gets going. He got going, and that's kind of why he shot that shot.

"He thought he was still in rhythm. He was just playing the game. I can't knock him for that, but I told him to make sure you pay attention to the clock."

Silverado led much of the way before the Gators hit some key 3-pointers late in the third quarter.

Justin Johnson hit a 3-pointer with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter to put the Skyhawks up 42-39. But Green Valley answered with two big 3-pointers.

Austin Tebbs hit a 3-pointer with 2:02 left in the third quarter to tie the score again. Sophomore Kaika Pladera knocked down a 3-pointer with 41 seconds left in the quarter to put Green Valley up 45-43, and the Gators wouldn't trail again.

"It was great guard play," Jarvis said. "Our point guards handled the ball really well and they distributed the ball really well, and that's what it takes. We're not a one-man team. This is truly a team. Tonight it showed."

Tebbs added 10 points for Green Valley, which won its fifth straight game.

David Ware and Ruben Jackson each had 15 points and six rebounds to lead Silverado.

Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at dseiters@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4587.