For the first time since 2010 and the fifth time in program history, the Newark Reds are headed to the New York State Final Four.
The Reds (21-4) erased a late fourth-quarter deficit and outlasted the Fredonia Hillbillies (19-8), 66-58, in overtime on Saturday afternoon at Gates-Chili in what was a wild game.
After an inadvertent whistle by the officiating crew with 3.1 seconds left in regulation which benefited Newark, Jaypar Allen threw an inbound pass to Brayden Steve, who knocked down a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. In the four-minute overtime period, the Reds outscored Fredonia 14-4 to claim the victory.
Steve finished with a game-high 25 points to lead Newark, with 15 coming behind the arc. Kellen Foster drained four three-pointers and finished with 21 points. Raeshawn Howard poured in 15.
Newark will take on Westhill (III) next Saturday at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:45 a.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].