PINEVILLE — Pineville earned its first win of the season in stunning fashion Thursday night, using a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Brady Hatmaker to escape with a 69–68 victory over Williamsburg.
The Mountain Lions (1–2) controlled much of the first half, leading 15–13 after the opening quarter and stretching the margin to 39–25 by halftime.
Williamsburg (0–3) clawed back in the third quarter, but Pineville still held a 57–43 advantage entering the final period.
Williamsburg’s surge continued behind Reece Hatcher, who poured in 12 points in the third quarter and added nine more in the fourth, helping the Yellow Jackets storm ahead 68–66 in the final seconds.
But Pineville had one last answer.
With time expiring, Haymaker took an 3 in the corner and buried it as the horn sounded, delivering the Mountain Lions a dramatic win.
“We did some good things in the first half on both ends that we’ve been working hard on,” Pineville coach Brad Levy said. “Our guys were physical and attacked the basket. In the second half, we stopped executing some of the things that were working for us and that allowed them to get back into the game and that’s the next step we’ll have to take as a group — executing for four quarters.
“Hats off to Williamsburg because they play extremely hard and keep coming at you,” he added. “I’m proud of our kids for not flinching when they took the lead late and coming down and finding Brady Hatmaker open for the game-winner. We have kids that have never been in these spots at the varsity level and they’re learning everything on the fly. It’s much better to learn the lessons through a win rather than a loss.”
Pineville was led by Anderson Gentry’s 18 points, including three 3-pointers. Haymaker finished with 16, while Preston Zachery added 14 points and knocked down two 3-pointers. Ethan Jackson chipped in 10.
Hatcher finished with a game-high 26 points to lead Williamsburg, while Lane Jeffries added 11, and Andy Shelton scored nine.
“I hate it for our kids they couldn’t get this one,” Williamsburg coach Brandon Bargo said. “They played so hard. We learned a lot about our identity tonight but also found some things we can continue to improve in. We continue to get better every opportunity out and I couldn’t be more proud of their effort and fortitude. The experience we’re gaining is invaluable and we will continue to grow. I’ve got a really good group.”
