Sophomore Cole Murdock putback at the buzzer gave New Covenant a 70-69 win over Carlisle to win the VISAA D_IV State championship. Murdock had nine in the 4th quarter and 18 in the 2nd half to lead three Gryphons in double-figures.
New Covenant blew a 15 point 4th lead (53-38) and were up by seven (67-60) with 1:13 remaining in the game. But Carlisle final took the lead 69-68 after a steal and layup by Trey Beamer with 5.8 seconds remaining.
The Gryphons Cole Bowman penetrated the lane but his shot bounced off the rim and Murdock was in perfect position for the putback and state championship win.
Senior Douglas Powell was dominant inside for New covenant finishing with 18 points 14 rebounds and two blocks. Senior Luke Libbey scored all 14 of his points in the 1st half.
Carlisle trailed the entire the game until the final five seconds. Trey Beamer scored 19 of his game high 32 points in the 4th quarter to bring the Chiefs back. Branson Leduc-Mattox added 18 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Jameer Reynolds had six points and 14 rebounds.
