They were already going to celebrate Monday night at Skaneateles High School, with the football team’s state Class C championship banner going up to the rafters during halftime of the boys basketball game against Cazenovia.
Then, moments before that banner went up, Justin McClanahan elevated the home fans in a different way.
With the second-quarter clock winding down, Skaneateles trailed its fellow Lakers from Cazenovia, knowing, that, at 7-12 overall, it had to win this game to advance to the Section III playoffs.
Adding to the challenge, Cazenovia had won nine in a row, establishing itself as a title contender and now was determined to spoil the host’s post-season plans.
But then McClanahan, just as the second-quarter clock wound down, dribbled from his own end and, in the face of some defensive resistance, flung a shot from beyond half-court.
It found the net.
That long, unlikely shot pulled Skaneateles within one at halftime, and the memory of that play, plus the presence of the gridiron heroes, sparked the host Lakers to an inspired finish that produced a playoff-clinching 65-59 victory.
The beyond-half-court heave didn’t immediately lead to a Skaneateles surge. Cazenovia regrouped during the third quarter and established a 48-42 lead.
Staring at the end of its season, the host Lakers caught fire in the fourth quarter. Shots fell from everywhere, and Skaneateles surged out in front to stay, led by McClanahan, who hit on four 3-pointers overall and finished with 23 points.
Tommy Reed got 17 points, while Jack Canty earned 14 points and Jeremy Castle had seven points. This helped negate some solid efforts on Cazenovia’s part as Dan Kent got most of his 21 points from five 3-pointers. Kevin Stalder worked inside for 18 points, while Thomas Bragg finished with 14 points.
