Matyi Powers Devils Into Sweet 16

Justin Matyi might have had what Sesser-Valier coach Chip Basso called a “quiet” 29 points, against Carrier Mills in the Eldorado sectional semis Wednesday night, but his performance spoke pretty loudly down the stretch.

Matyi scored 16 in the second half and hit 5 of 6 freebies in the waning moments to help the Red Devils advance to the sectional finals against Meridian Friday night with a 52-42 win.

“You never seem to notice him in a game and he has 20 every night,” Basso said. “Even with other teams scheming against him. The game comes down to whether we can we get him the ball and we got him the ball.”

Sesser took what looked to be a comfortable 36-30 lead into the final period and held a 41-34 lead with 2:30 left. Carrier Mills, which beat SV in the same game last season, got a 3-pointer from Chase Craig, though, to pull within 41-37 at the 2:24 mark.

Dane Eubanks then came up with the first of three huge plays in the final moments. First, he put on a fake, then drove down the heart of the lane for a basket and a 43-37 lead.

“The plays he made were big and they were at critical points of the game,” Basso said of D. Eubanks. “That’s what it takes. Players make plays and he made plays down the stretch.”

Wyatt Kirkland answered for Carrier Mills, cutting the lead to 43-39. CM got possession right back after a SV turnover and Jordan Miller was fouled.

He missed both shots and Kendall Gibson rebounded and got the ball to Myles Tinsley, who was fouled with 1:34 left. Tinsley missed the first end of the bonus shot and Raeshawn Ward boarded for the Wildcats.

D. Eubanks then made his second great play, picking off a pass. He then slipped a pass to Matyi in the lane. He was fouled and hit 1 of 2 for a 44-39 lead at the 1:12 mark.

A key series followed for the Wildcats. Dillan Harrison missed a 3-pointer, but Ward was there for the rebound. A couple of passes later, CM swung the ball into the coffin corner to J.R. Brown, who swished the trey for a 44-42 score with just 49 seconds left.

Carrier Mills then forced a timeout on Sesser’s inbound attempt, but the Devils got the ball up to Matyi on the sideline. Matyi dribbled upcourt and was fouled with 47.3 ticks left. He made 1 of 2 for a 45-42 lead.
D. Eubanks then made his final big play of the quarter, holding his ground and taking a charge against Miller with 40 ticks left.

Matyi followed with two free throws, Shad Donovan rebounding the next Carrier Mills miss and getting fouled. He made 1 of 2, but Matyi rebounded the miss and scored to put the final nail in the coffin.

“I thought we were a little tight and timid down the stretch, but we were able to close them out,” said Basso.

Carrier Mills led 10-6 after one period, but the Devils came back to take a 20-17 halftime lead. They never trailed again.

Matyi had nine of Sesser’s 14 points in the second period, D. Eubanks adding a 3-pointer and Donovan coming off the bench for a bucket.

The third quarter was all Matyi and Gibson. Both players scored eight points to combine for all 16 of SV’s points. Gibson gave his team a 36-30 lead with a runner at the buzzer.

“Early in the game we took quick shots,” said Basso. “We tried to bring it up high a little and I don’t know how many points Kendall had, but he had a big third quarter for us. That was big against their sagging defense.”

Sesser won the game despite T.J. Eubanks not scoring. The senior had only three looks at the basket against the Wildcats, who shadowed him all night.

“He doesn’t score, but he was solid on the defensive end,” Basso said. “He does a lot of little things. Looking at the film from last year, we knew they might double-and triple Matyi and stay with (T.J.). It’s no secret that he’s a shooter and they don’t leave him.”

T. Eubanks did end with six rebounds, second to Matyi’s nine boards.

Now Sesser must deal with the pressure of Meridian Friday night.

“They are a talented group,” said Basso. “They take athletes off the floor and bring in more. It will be a total contrast to tonight.

“But, if we can handle the pressure and get the ball inside we will be all right.”

Matyi scored 29 to lead SV. D. Eubanks just missed double digits with nine, Gibson scoring eight.

Kirkland had 16 and Craig 11 to lead Carrier Mills.

Sesser and Meridian will play at 7:30 p.m.