Shields for the 3 at the buzzer … it’s good!

Tidioute’s Patrick Shields drilled a game-winner from long-range, sending the Bulldogs to a dramatic 45-42 victory over Maplewood in their first District 10 of the year and lifting them to a 3-0 record on the young season in the process.

“We worked an out-of-bounds play to Patrick and he drilled it as time expired,” said Tidioute coach Terry Cotterman. “This is a really good win for us.”

Shields’ game-winner only tells a very small part of the story, however.

Jacob Merritt, who had no varsity action going into the game, stepped up and made a big steal with 10 seconds left, setting up Shields’ heroics.

The Bulldogs had a number of reserves play pivotal roles, with two of their top players in Ryan Williams (injury in the third quarter) and Jared Veasey (fouls in the fourth quarter) out of the game.

“The bench really stepped up … I’m just amazed at the way they played,” Cotterman said. “That’s what team basketball is all about. The kids were focused and believed in themselves.”

The Bulldogs played a strong first half, leading 20-16 at the break.

Despite fouling out, Veasey still had a big game with a team-high 16 points to go along with six rebounds.

“We couldn’t have played any better in the first half,” Cotterman said.

The Tigers (1-2), who were led by Joel Cox’s 12 points, rallied to tie the game at the end of the third quarter, setting up a dramatic final eight minutes.

With Veasey and Williams out, Alex Sabella was another Bulldog that spearheaded the victory, draining a key 3 in the fourth.

“Every kid … every kid stepped up,” Cotterman said.

Shields finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks and Maison Deloe added six boards as well.

The Bulldogs look to keep the momentum going on Friday when they travel to Union City, followed by a home contest against county foe Eisenhower on Saturday.

The game against the Knights will be varsity only, beginning at noon.

– – –

MAPLEWOOD (42)

Mattocks 1-4-6, Hollabaugh 4-0-8, C. Cox 2-0-5, J. Cox 5-0-12, Brunot 2-0-6, Groger 2-0-5, Totals 17-6-42

TIDIOUTE (45)

Shields 4-2-14, Veasey 5-6-16, Williams 1-0-3, Klos 1-0-3, Deloe 2-0-4, Sabella 1-0-3, Merritt 1-0-2, Totals 15-8-45

By Quarters

Maplewood 9 7 14 12 – 42

Tidioute 11 9 10 15 – 45

Three-point FGs: Maplewood (3) – J. Cox 2, C. Cox; Tidioute (7) – Shields 4, Williams, Klos, Sabella