Last night, the Harwood boys basketball team set out on the long trip to Newport. The hour and a half bus ride north was filled with positive chatter amongst teammates and coaches as well as strategies to reach our goal: to beat the North Country Falcons. 

Last year, the Falcons made it to the Finals, however they came up short trying to beat the reigning champion, Montpelier Solons. Regardless, making it to the finals was a massive accomplishment, and one the current team hopes to repeat. Because of this finals run, we knew going into the game that this was going to be a tough game, yet the boys stayed strong mentally and physically which allowed us to pull out the win.

Most of the game was very close: there were periods where one team would take a lead, yet their opponent always came back. 

With five minutes left on the clock, Harwood was down double digits. The crowd was electric yet respectful cheering as loud as they could for their teams. As the minutes ticked away, the Highlanders were able to tie up the game, sending it into overtime.

During overtime, the teams battled it out, going back and forth until the end. With about 20 seconds left on the clock, the game is tied up and Harwood brings the ball down the court looking to make something happen. Junior Tucker Buffum got the ball on the wing and had a beautiful drive, freeing himself up for an open layup. Making it, Buffum put the Highlanders up 66-64. North Country called a timeout looking to get off the last shot to send them home with a win. They got a good but deep look at a three pointer but missed the shot, sending Harwood home as the victor! 

As a member of the team, these are the games we look forward to. The high stress, fast paced nature of these close games gives for the most entertaining and fun basketball to not only play, but watch. After the game, the small group of Harwood fans celebrated with the team, before a victorious stop at Wendy’s.