Patriots lose heartbreaker in state semifinals

Nursing a four-point lead after three quarters, the Homewood Patriots couldn't hold on in the boys Class 6A semifinals of the AHSAA State Finals basketball tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC on Thursday.

The Patriots' season ended with a 48-45 loss to Lee of Huntsville.

Leading 40-36 entering the final frame, every possession was a war as the defenses turned up the intensity. A spectacular drive to the glass by Malik Cook-Stroupe gave the Pats 45-44 lead with 2:54 left.

The score remained right there until Tracey Burnett drove the baseline to the hoop and scored for Lee to give the Generals the lead 46-45 with 34 seconds left. 

The Patriots put the ball in the hands of Cook-Stroupe, who drove into the lane and lofted a floater that Burnett swatted away with 8.2 seconds left and rebounded by Lee.

Pleas from Cook-Stroupe, coach Tim Shepler and a large Patriots contingent for goaltending went unheeded. 

The Pats were forced to foul and Gerron Scissum calmly made a pair of free throws with 7.1 seconds left for a 48-45 lead. 

Cook-Stroupe tried a long 3 from backcourt that fell far short and the Patriots' magical run was over.

"I couldn't be prouder of our guys," Shepler said. "We did enough to win today. Sometimes it's a shame the scoreboard doesn't reflect that. This group of guys -- you want to see a team become a family and I think this team exemplified that."

Cook-Stroupe finished with 15 points and four assists to lead Homewood. Ronald Claiborne added 10 for the Patriots (28-8).

Scissum led Lee (27-6) with 13 points, five rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Mailik Burnett added 11 points, six rebounds and six steals. Tracy Burnett had 10 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.