DEER ISLE — On Thursday, the George Stevens Academy Eagles were cruising along with a 42-19 lead and appeared headed for a convincing win over the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners.
DEER ISLE — On Thursday, the George Stevens Academy Eagles were cruising along with a 42-19 lead and appeared headed for a convincing win over the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariners.
But freshman Sam Grindle went on a shooting rampage that had observers shaking their heads in amazement, and the Mariners mounted a comeback of monumental proportions.
With Grindle pouring in 20 points, including six three-pointers, the Mariners slashed the GSA lead from 23 points to five.
After GSA’s Nick Doolittle hit a drving lay-up to open the quarter, the Eagles didn’t score another field goal until the final 90 seconds.
The Eagles clung to the lead, thanks only to eight-for-14 shooting from the foul line during that stretch.
Grindle’s fifth three of the period left the Mariners trailing just 47-42 with 1:56 to go.
But with the clock winding down, the Mariners had little choice but to foul, and the Eagles took advantage.
Elias Springer connected on four free throws and a game-ending lay-up over the final 53 seconds to clinch the win for GSA.
Grindle finished with 25 points, including seven three-pointers, and Evan Rollins added 10 for the 6-6 Mariners.
Springer finished with 19 points and Doolittle added 15 for the Eagles.