In a thrilling overtime victory, Catonsville junior guard Malik Henderson came through in the clutch, making all four of his free throw attempts to lead the Comets to a 47-45 win over visiting Hereford on Friday night. The game was a close battle, with the Comets hitting an impressive 7 out of 8 free throws in overtime to secure the win.
The turning point in the game came when Hereford took a 43-40 lead after a 3-point bank shot by Kreis Metz. However, Henderson stepped up and made his first two free throws, closing the gap and ultimately taking the lead for the Comets. Henderson, who transferred from Loch Raven, credited his teammates for their support, saying, “My teammates pulled me up and my coaches pushed me to play my game and knock down those free throws in the clutch.”
Despite a rough start, Henderson rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter and overtime, contributing seven of his nine points during this crucial period. Catonsville coach Jason Harris praised Henderson’s resilience, stating, “Malik is one of those players that needs to be challenged and he likes to be challenged.”
The nail-biting game wasn’t without its share of drama, as Hereford’s Tanner Diehl, the leading scorer, fouled out, and his teammate Kreis Metz managed to extend the game with a stunning banked-in three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation.
Ultimately, it was Catonsville’s strong defensive performance, along with key contributions from players like Nate Holub-Smith, that secured the hard-fought victory. Holub-Smith’s expanded role in the team was evident as he made significant plays on both offense and defense, showcasing his versatility as a player.
Harris emphasized the importance of defense as a driving force in the game, stating, “Defense, that’s what got our heart back in the game.” With this victory, the Comets have showcased their potential for success, even as they work on improving their shooting consistency.
This comeback win is a testament to the Comets’ determination and teamwork, as they continue to strive for success in the season.
