The Fulton boys basketball team secured a thrilling victory against the defending New York State champions, Marcellus, with a score of 70-68 in an overtime showdown on January 4, 2024. Junior Kash Stuber made a significant impact by sinking a crucial three-pointer with just 19 seconds left in the extra period, helping to lift his team and boost his confidence.
Fulton’s head coach, Kyle Perry, expressed his satisfaction with Stuber’s performance, stating, “It was great for Kash. We’ve wanted him to play with more confidence. I think this shot helped him break out of his shell, so hopefully this is a springboard for him moving forward.” This win also marked a much-needed turnaround for the Red Dragons, snapping a three-game losing streak.
The game was closely contested throughout, with Marcellus maintaining a narrow 49-46 lead after three quarters. The Mustangs had initially established a ten-point advantage following halftime. However, Fulton fought back in the fourth quarter, taking a brief lead before a charge call sent the game into overtime. With around a minute remaining in the extra session, Marcellus held a slim 68-67 lead until Stuber’s decisive shot turned the tide.
Stuber finished the game with 13 points, with nine of those coming from beyond the arc. Perry noted, “We made the necessary baskets we needed to down the stretch, and Kash was a big part of it.”
Xavier Doty led the Red Dragons with 22 points, complemented by 19 points from Wyatt Watson, who made eight free throws. Koby Drake also contributed significantly with 13 points. Perry praised his team’s defensive efforts, stating, “We dug in a little bit on the defense end and rebounded well. It helped us improve in the second half. Our shots fell more consistently as well.”
Despite the loss, Marcellus’s Tucker Burnett had a standout performance, scoring a game-high 37 points, including 13 free throws. Henry Lawrence added 13 points to the Mustangs’ efforts.
Looking ahead, Fulton (4-3) is set to face PSLA @ Fowler on January 10, 2024, at 18:45. Coach Perry emphasized the importance of this victory as a confidence booster for his squad, saying, “This was a good win for us tonight. Hopefully this will help us get back into the right mindset. We have a long ways to go, though, so we’re hoping this gives us confidence moving forward.” Meanwhile, Marcellus (3-6) will take on Westhill on January 9, 2024, at 18:30.
As the season progresses, both teams will strive to build on their performances, with Fulton looking to capitalize on their recent momentum and Marcellus aiming to bounce back from consecutive losses.