Thriller at Danville: Mount Carmel Edges Out Ironmen in Last-Second Victory
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | January 24, 2025 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple @v1sion_media
In a highly anticipated matchup between two 12-3 teams, the Danville Ironmen hosted the Mount Carmel Tornadoes on Thursday night in a game that lived up to the hype. With the gym packed, fans were treated to a heart-stopping contest that went down to the wire.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start, with both teams showcasing impressive defense and offensive execution. The score was tied 22-22 at halftime, setting the stage for an intense second half. Neither team seemed to be able to create much separation, as both squads traded baskets throughout the final two quarters.
With just 24 seconds remaining in the game, Danville's #1 Ethan Morrison hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 43, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, Mount Carmel responded in dramatic fashion. With only 5 seconds left on the clock, #33 Noah Shimko scored a layup to give the Tornadoes a 45-43 lead, sealing the win in the final moments of a thrilling game.
The Ironmen were led by senior guard Daniel Walker, who was unstoppable all night long, finishing with 20 points to lead all scorers. Ben Koser and Ethan Morrison provided key contributions, adding 10 and 9 points, respectively. Despite the strong performances from the Ironmen, it wasn’t quite enough to secure the win.
Mount Carmel's offensive attack was balanced, with three players in double digits. Jude Lazicki led the way with 15 points, while Jay Delaney and Noah Shimko each contributed 8. Matthew Balichik added 7 points, giving the Tornadoes the depth they needed to pull out the win in a highly competitive environment.
The win improves Mount Carmel’s record to 13-3, while Danville drops to 12-4 on the season. Both teams played with grit and determination, and it’s clear that these two squads are among the top contenders in the league this year.
With both teams demonstrating such high-level play, fans can expect more thrilling games as the season progresses. For now, Mount Carmel can bask in the glory of a hard-earned victory, while Danville will surely be eager to bounce back in their next outing.
