Maine Central Institute junior guard Tre Grier knew time was running out in the first quarter of their Class B North quarterfinal against Ellsworth and there wasn’t enough for him to dash the length of the court.
So he quickly maneuvered to mid-court and launched a high righthanded as time ran out.
Swish. Nothing but net.
“I was just trying to be aggressive and help my team put points on the board,” said Grier. “I took advantage of what the defense was giving me.”
Ellsworth’s Bryce Harmon had hit a free throw with 3.5 seconds left before Grier made his dash and shot.
“I aimed the best I could and tried to be as accurate as possible,” said Grier. “I was a little surprised that I made it. Then I went to the bench to be with my team and discus the next step for the game.”
He said he has hit a couple other half-court shots during his basketball career and it is a special feeling.
Ellsworth coach Peter Austin was among those who were impressed by the shot.
“It looked like he just stepped up and shot it. It wasn’t a heave,” said Austin.
Grier’s 47-foot three-pointer tied the game 10-10 but Ellsworth went on to outscore MCI 22-2 in the second quarter and posted a 56-28 triumph.
“For the next 45 to 50 seconds, that was a big shot,” quipped MCI coach Josh Tardy.
Grier led his team with 13 points including two other three-pointers to go with his half-court buzzer-beater.
Grier said playing in the tournament at the Cross Insurance Center was a “great experience.
“Every time we play, we learn something different so we know how to get better,” said Grier. “Ellsworth has a very good team. We have a lot of respect for them.”