Milton High’s basketball team wins amid controversy, making two foul shots with time expired
Milton coach David Boyd said the foul was called before the final buzzer sounded (AJC file)
Milton’s Julian Royal made two foul shots with no time remaining in a controversial 52-51 win over Norcross in Saturday’s Class AAAAA quarterfinals at West Georgia.
Only moments earlier, Norcross thought it had pulled off the upset and celebrated wildly after the sound of the final buzzer. However, as Norcross coach Jesse McMillan started walking toward the Milton bench to shake hands, the referees huddled on the side of the court.
“There was a scramble situation around the rim, maybe we fouled them or maybe we didn’t — that’s the ref’s call,” McMillan said. “The situation was that (one) referee called a foul as the horn sounded.
“(The other two) referees had waved the ballgame off, but the other one said he had a foul. He called a hold on us.”
The officiating crew eventually ruled that Royal had been fouled while fighting for a rebound before the buzzer had sounded. The referees cleared the court because time had expired, and awarded two free throws to Royal, who calmly made both with fans from both teams screaming as loud as they could.
Even Milton coach David Boyd admitted he had never experienced an ending like that one.
“No, time had not expired (before the foul was called),” Boyd insisted, “I was battling the whole way for the foul. I saw the official call the play while there was time on the clock. That’s what I saw.”
It was a bizarre turn of emotions for Norcross, which went from big smiles and high fives to tears and hanging heads. McMillan said he trusted that the referee blew his whistle before the final buzzer, but if there was a foul, then there should’ve been time on the clock.
Milton's Julian Royal was nothing but clutch, with the big guy sinking two foul shots with time expired (AJC file photo)
“I don’t think it should’ve been more than one second, but there should’ve been (something),” he said. “At least you give the kids a chance to throw it the length of the court to make a miracle shot.
“The explanation I got from the ref was ‘We don’t have replay, so there is no way to say how much time we should put on there.’ He explained it the best he could.”
Norcross forward E. Victor Nickerson made two free throws to give the Blue Devils a 51-50 lead with 10.2 seconds left. Milton rushed down the court, with Shannon Scott (committed to Ohio State) losing track of time and launching a 30-footer with about six seconds left. Milton’s Jordan Lloyd fought for the offense rebound and missed a short jumper, leading up to dramatic ending.
“I have never won a game with no time showing on the clock,” Boyd said. “I just told the team we’ll take advantage of (this game). We’re in the state semifinals … that’s about all you can say.”
What are your thoughts on the ending of this game? Please post below. Note: If anyone has video of the final seconds, please email me at mcarvell@ajc.com.
Note: Feel free to make your point, but inappropriate comments will NOT be tolerated.
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149 comments Add your comment
dk
March 6th, 2010
8:59 pm
wow what a game.
Julian Royal
March 6th, 2010
8:59 pm
I’m good. Really good.
Coach D
March 6th, 2010
9:01 pm
FIRST?!?!?! Sounds like a heck of a way to win a game.. Just win baby!!
Jordan Loyd
March 6th, 2010
9:03 pm
lol julian
Buzztime
March 6th, 2010
9:03 pm
Or lose a game if you ask me but the kid did hit both freee throws so good for him.
Whatever
March 6th, 2010
9:05 pm
If he was fouled with time on the clock, there would be time left. Didn’t see it, but you can’t have it both ways.
J.R.
March 6th, 2010
9:15 pm
I have been to several of these games this season and I must say that I am totally not impressed with the GHSA refereeing to this point. Many of them are out of shape and out of position to make the proper calls. To make a call at the end of a game to decide who wins or loses is a damn shame. I hope he was right, but my intuition tells me, he probably wasn’t if it was two refs against one. Ref(s) let the kids play and stop trying to dictate the outcome of the games.
Eastside Jacket
March 6th, 2010
9:15 pm
It’s impossible to foul a person with no time left to play in a game. Impossible.
Catlawson
March 6th, 2010
9:27 pm
I am not impressed with the GHSA refereeing to this point.To make a call at the end of a game to decide who wins or loses is a damn shame. This should have been a no call. Refs let the kids play and stop trying to dictate the outcome of the games.
It’s impossible to foul a person with no time left to play in a game. There should have been at least a second left on the clock.
Joe
March 6th, 2010
9:29 pm
This is horrible officiating.
Devil Lover
March 6th, 2010
9:30 pm
How can you end a game with 2 foul shots with no time on the clock? At least put one second on the clock.
E.S.
March 6th, 2010
9:31 pm
GO MILTON!!!!!
JCF
March 6th, 2010
9:46 pm
Crazy ending – Norcross fought hard to take the lead late in the game. Milton bended, but did not break. Foul shots by Julian Royal to win the game – biggest foul shots by a big man that I have ever seen under the circumstances. Refs should have put at least 0.1 second back on the clock. It does make sense to call a foul with 0.0 on the clock. Ref clearly blew the whistle and raised his arm to call a foul just before buzzer sounded. Norcross should hold their heads high. Hopefully Milton uses this extra life to win the state title – Go Eagles!!!
mpd
March 6th, 2010
10:00 pm
Enter your comments here
SGT CHRIS
March 6th, 2010
10:03 pm
LaGrange girls vs Northside Columbus girls: 0.9 on the clock, LaGrange inbounds, Northside fouls, time runs out, refs put 0.3 back on the clock…could have been done in this instant..foul called with time on the clock, time should be on the clock when he shoots the free throws point blank and simple
mpd
March 6th, 2010
10:03 pm
I had a perfect view on the baseline, there was a foul on julian, but Jordan was fouled more on his shot than julian was, so it shouldve been 2 shots either way
SRS
March 6th, 2010
10:11 pm
Two great teams, one of them had to lose, its just a shame the loser had to be decided by the referee with no time left.
stw
March 6th, 2010
10:15 pm
SGT. CHRIS: It’s obvious you are not an official. As a long time HS ref there is a lag time from whistle to when scorer can stop clock. H/S makes no allowance for putting back this time and besides if they had put 0.3 it would have made no difference. The clock starts as soon as it is obvious the free throw has been missed. Only reason it’s done in college and pros is because of the television. It is physically impossible for Norcross to inbound and shoot in 0.3 seconds.Schools could not afford to pay full time officials and refs do not take into account how much time is left..A foul is a foul and blowing the whistle is instinct. This call did not cost the loser the game..
BBall Fan
March 6th, 2010
10:35 pm
Even though I’m a Milton fan, I can say that the officiating was horrible. All you want from the officiating is for them to be consistant and they were not even close. BY the way, who at the GHSA would pick W. Georgia to host a qtr final? I went to the Milton vs. Marietta game at Milton and there were more people. Talk about wasting a chance to make good money. Why not Ga. State or Kennasaw? This is crazy to drive that far. No one wants to travel that far. Hello GHSA wake up and make decent business decisions…
John
March 6th, 2010
10:49 pm
It does make since to put time on the clock, because just the same while trying to inbound the ball Milton could have been called for a foul and Norcross would had foul shots.
bodog
March 6th, 2010
11:03 pm
The Ref. made the call as he saw it. Done Deal,,,,,you can discuss it all week long aon’t gonn CHANGE THE CALL The Ref did nothing wrong. Even if Ref put 1 sec. on clock it would have made no difference.
HatesPinkos
March 6th, 2010
11:06 pm
This is why I quit going to high school sporting events 10 years ago. There’s always an official trying to relive his youth and wanting to make his miserable life seem more important and he completely makes the contest about him. Anyway, sorry for the loser, hope the official can sleep
tonight. Maybe one day, it’ll happen to one of his kids.
bodog
March 6th, 2010
11:06 pm
The ref made the call as he saw it, AND THAT MAKES IT A DOBE DEAL. YOU CAN TALK DOR A WEEK, AND NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE, AND IF AS MILTON COACH SUGGESTED THE REF PUT ONE SEC. BACK ON CLOCK THE GAME WAS STILL OVER.
bodog
March 6th, 2010
11:06 pm
DONE DEAL
bodog
March 6th, 2010
11:07 pm
TALK FOR
SickandTired
March 6th, 2010
11:14 pm
What is Boyd still coaching for? Does anyone that hires him not do any research whatsoever?
Jose Benzaca
March 6th, 2010
11:19 pm
Let’s see, there is no time on the clock and a scramble around the rim with a bunch of kids trying to get a ball and you only see one kid commit a fout? I really doubt it. Ref should have swallowed the whistle and let the kids decide the game, not him. All champions need a little luck to win. Bama got help with an injured Texas QB, the Saints play a bad game but get 5 turnovers and an overtime, Canada got a weak tip in goal in the Olympics. You have to be good to get to this point, but lady luck can get you over the top.
NoLion
March 6th, 2010
11:29 pm
This is typical GHSA, Bullsssssst. There is no excuse for the ref to call a foul with no time left on the clock. I do not understand how 2 ref’s called game over, and this yoyo 2 timin , no good SOB said there was a foul. If i was norcross i would protest the game and get the reversal, They deserved the win. I have no alegiance in the battle, just enjoy high school sports, but this is typical of Serigan and his cronies from the south…Its time the GHSA gets investigated into their running of their programs. He has an agenda and they pick the winners each year. I have told this to several people and they always think i am crazy, but I can show you time and time again where these inept refs. either football, basketball, cheerleading whatever have gone totally against one school for another. this year its Miltons time to win state championship and no matter what happens next week, it is their destiny. they will get help getting there,so whoever they play watch out you will not get any calls….
NoLion
March 6th, 2010
11:34 pm
just saw where norcross girls won and milton girls won, hope they both get to the finals…
Crazy8
March 6th, 2010
11:35 pm
Norcross won this game.
bigben
March 6th, 2010
11:38 pm
The Norcross coach ran circles around Boyd. Boyd puts 4 of the top players in the country on the floor. Norcross couldn’t get shots to drop but keep running their sets and playing solid defense. They took the lead the old fashioned way, they earned it. And then one referee decided that wasn’t good enough.
consistancy
March 6th, 2010
11:41 pm
Congratulations to Milton. Part of winning a championship is being good, being a little lucky and getting a few breaks. They got a break tonight and by coach Boyd’s comments above he knows he got one. He may have complained if the ref swallowed his whistle at that point of the game but he would have known it was the right call. At least 3 times in the game Norcross had 3 put back attemps that missed and you know there was contact on those plays. At least be consistant and don’t call a foul as time expires. I give Julian all the credit in the world for stepping to the free throw line with no time left on the clock and hitting both free throws but he was the biggest player on the court and should have been able to finish foul or not. He wasn’t tackled. Milton you got your break now win the championship.
bluedevil
March 7th, 2010
12:07 am
Norcross should’ve won. plain and simple.
They really did deserve it.
.
March 7th, 2010
12:09 am
More Bull Shi#! This is not the first time ref’s have decided the out come of games.
Timmy
March 7th, 2010
12:14 am
QUESTION – How can foul be called with no time left?…..in a scramble for a ball?
Ripped
March 7th, 2010
12:22 am
Milton has made a practice this year of having controversial games – go back to the Wheeler game. Then again, David Boyd, in my opinion, is a controversial figure. The article reads as if Norcross was ripped off.
ERIC ROGERS
March 7th, 2010
12:55 am
I was at Westlake game!!!!!!!!!! If Norcross WAS THE TEAM TO BEAT IN 5A, WHY WAS THE GAME SO TIGHT!!!!!!! Westlake won by 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Refs could not decide that game!!!!!!!! STOP CRYING NORCROSS YOU SHOULD HAVE PLAYED BETTER!!!!!!!
milehigh
March 7th, 2010
12:59 am
I am also a basketball official of twenty years as well as a women’s college official for ten years. In high school the ball is considered dead during free throw administration. In order for the ball to become live again it must be given to the free throw shooter. If he or she is shooting in a bonus or one and one situation then the first shot is live. If as in this case the free throw shooter is given two shots then the second shot is live. In high school the clock starts once it touches the rim or a live player on the court. If the shot is missed (air ball) then the clock DOES NOT START! The officials blow their whistles and inbound the ball. In my opinion the issue was not whether there should have been time put back on the clock but whether the call should have been made at that point in the game.
It took a lot of guts to make an unpopular call at the end of a game of this magnitude. My experience in basketball officiating has taught me to let the kids decide the game but make the call if it is obviously a foul. At the end of all games an experienced crew will huddle and remind themselves to make sure it is an obvious foul before they call it. If this particular type of infraction had been allowed throughout the contest without penalty then it should have been allowed that final time.
Finally. any type of officiating is about applying the rules with common sense. We are taught to try as best as we can to blend into the game and don’t become the show because no one goes to a game to see an official blow their whistle. If you as an official allow teams to do certain things in the first quarter then you must allow them to do those same things in the fourth quarter. Illegal contact is illegal contact (a foul) no matter when it is called during a game, but players and coaches alike cannot adjust and play to their highest level if they don’t understand what is going to be called a foul in a particular game. I am certain that official believes he saw some contact but was it the same contact the crew had been calling the whole night? Only the members of the crew and Ernie Yarborough (ghsa coordinator of officials) know this for certain because I guarantee you that he has reviewed the tape. There is usually someone at the late round games evaluating the officiating crews. I wonder what his rating was for the game?
Legend of Len Barker
March 7th, 2010
1:47 am
Long-time scorebook-keeper here:
If I’m reading the situation right, the ball was still live when the players battled for the rebound and the foul was called. The play is still active until the ball either drops into the net or doesn’t (after becoming ineligible for a goaltend). And a game isn’t over while a play is still active.
Though this is mentioned by Coach Boyd (as he says he saw time on the clock), a foul doesn’t happen right that second. Though I’ve seen referees set a clock to when it the physical contact happened, a play isn’t officially dead until the whistle is blown. The lag time between contact and the whistle counts as time elapses.
Besides, technically, yes, there can be a foul with no time on the clock. A basketball game is not over just because time expires in the 4th quarter (or overtime) and one team is in the lead.
A game isn’t over until certified over by the officials.
Nilo Silvan
March 7th, 2010
2:03 am
Royal was fouled while attempting a shot, and it was before the horn went off. The refs made the right call on that; however, they definitely should have put some time on the clock…even if it was just 0.1 second.
The refs definitely struggled throughout the whole game. And they were not a whole lot better during the Central Gwinnett–McEachern game.
gakat1
March 7th, 2010
2:13 am
I was there. It is so obvious that the refs don’t know what the hell they’re doing most of the time. There was a delay of about a minute BEFORE THE ref comes over to the scorers table and signals a foul with a sheepish look on his face. I sat right behind the scorers table and could not believe it. And no I am not a Norcross fan. I attend all tourney games in all classes.
I say give the official a lie detector test. This one is for a Ripleys’ Believe it or NOT. Just pathetic.
Mr. D
March 7th, 2010
2:19 am
I’ve read all of your comments and can agree with most. Bottom line, the Norcross plyed against the best team in the state and the worst officials in the building. This was one of the most inconsistantly called ballgames I’ve watched this year. Milton had 4 gimmee shots in the last 5 seconds with plenty of contact and no whistle AND THEN you make a call with time expired? Shame on the officials for being the focus of an incredible ballgame.
Congratulations to both teams.
p.s. Norcross got hosed!
Big B CH 99
March 7th, 2010
2:19 am
I didn’t see the game, but I really feel sorry for Norcross, HS officials are attrocious, they’re as incompetent as they are corrupt. Many times they determine the outcome of games. Thankfully when I was in HS they had a hard time keeping us from winning. I went to Collins Hill when Maya Moore was there, it’s hard to prevent a team that has the best player in the country from winning.
But I played football, & we got screwed twice, the refs cost us 2 games that yr. Norcross in the 2nd to last game of the yr, & Roswell in the first round of the playoffs.
North Fulton Sports Guy
March 7th, 2010
3:30 am
I know what everyone’s thinking, ’someone has to have video of this.’ Well it exists.
http://itsneversunnyincincinnati.blogspot.com/ has a video of Royal’s free throws. Apparently they also have video of the foul call at the end of the game, but it’s not up yet.
As you’ll see if you watch the video, the second free throw provided more drama than a daytime soap, it bounced off the rim two or three times.
UGA75
March 7th, 2010
3:59 am
Another HS and College BB Official, and the folks complaining about the officiating of this whole game are pretty much dead on. This set of officials shouldn’t be calling rec ball. There could have been fouls called on the last two shots, that would have been correct and courageous, but the so called foul that was called was totally fabricated. Officials are taught from day one, did someone gain an advantage in order to call a foul. In this case the only advantage was the fact the foul was called. You could almost see the wheels in the Official’s head spinning, “oh no, the higher ranked team got beat, we’ll never get another game, I have to do something”. He did though when the tape is viewed I suspect it will show his hand going up after the buzzer. This was criminal, I hope the GHS administrators looks at it. They can’t reverse the call, but they can make sure these officials never screw another bunch of kids.
g
March 7th, 2010
4:26 am
The obvious solution was for the milton coach to instruct his player to miss the last FT and let it go to OT. Given everything we know about his character, no surprise that it would never occur to him.
Sports are beginning to stink
March 7th, 2010
5:23 am
Every time you turn around a ref/official is blowing it. As a sports fan who has watched all kinds of sports over 50 years, I don’t know what has happened to sports officials. From the HS level through the pros, blown calls at crucial times are taking the heart out of competitive sports. Many Officials want to be seen and want to exert their power and influence. There’s some mighty big egos with some officials. All in all … sports are beginning to stink. I think in the next five years we will see major declines in ALL sports. The fans now will take anything … including poor officiating and be satisified. Yep, there’s an odor in the air and it’s coming from sports ….Think I’ll just give it up for awhile and see if the smell in my life improves.
Wheeler Grad08
March 7th, 2010
7:44 am
MileHigh said it correctly. GHSA needs to review and reverse the call. But they don’t have the nerve to do so. It looks like they want someone else in the finals other than Wheeler, Norcross, Stephenson, etc., so they set their brackets and ref. crews to see it done. I was there last night and couldn’t believe the call, I’m a graduate of Wheeler and have no love loss for Norcross, but they got ripped a new one…..Heart goes out to Norcross Fans, GHSA needs to change the results. Milton got beat and they know it.. Last night’s game to me was the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.just like it was last year when we beat Norcross at West Ga. I won’t be at Gwinnett next week.
El Mongol
March 7th, 2010
7:51 am
This reminds me of “Live Atlanta Wrestling”, when everyone knew it was fixed.
b. devil fan
March 7th, 2010
7:57 am
While I agree that Norcross did not play their best game and should not have wound up in this position in the first place, there were some horrible calls by these refs and some calls that should have been made at important times and weren’t- all in Milton’s favor (as basically quoted by both coaches in the newspapers and by Milton fans/parents that I spoke with after the game). I can handle if my team loses, but not like this!
First off, in the last seconds of the first half, Jeremy Lamb shot a basket and the ball CLEARLY left his hand before the buzzer sounded, but the refs called off the shot. Secondly, when Marty Johnson went for a final basket at the end of the game (and missed), he was CLEARLY fouled but the refs did not call it- which is something that many of us are familiar with in close state tournament games, where not every little thing is called at the end. Finally, if the refs, the player, the coach, and anyone who is not blind knows that there is time left on the clock when that final foul is called, then there should be some sort of rule in place about putting a minimum amount of time on the clock for the final free throws, instead of just completely obliterating the other teams’ opportunity to have final possession of the ball.
I hope the GHSA will take this controversial call into consideration and possibly make some sort of changes for future games, so other teams do not get cheated like Norcross did.
Eagle 1
March 7th, 2010
8:32 am
What a way to lose a game!!!
3 Straight
March 7th, 2010
8:32 am
Referees should not alter the outcome of a game. With only tenths of a second remaining the question should be, did the player have an obvious opportunity and time to score. If not then the referee should have reframed from calling a foul and possibly altering the outcome of such an important game.
I guess I am really disappointed in coach Bloyd. Since you were quoted in the AJC you saw time remaining on the clock then why didn’t you stand behind coach Mcmillian and ask the referees to place some time back on the clock?
I think the basketball world knows who was ahead at the end of the game and so does Milton. And Milton if you happen to win the state championship unfortately there will always be an asterisk beside your win.
Milton Fan
March 7th, 2010
8:43 am
Did you idiot Norcross fans not see the whole 4th quarter???? What would have been controversial is to NOT call the foul in the final seconds of the game; Not one, but two of our players were fouled while shooting. The game would have been decided by NOT calling a foul when Milton was clearly NOT able to get a decent shot off while being MAULED by Norcross. Shame on you all for blaming the officiating. I agree the refs could have been MUCH better, but I don’t hear you complaining about all the foul calls on MILTON in the 4th quarter that gave Norcross the lead to begin with. Lose with grace.
EverydayisSunday
March 7th, 2010
9:27 am
If you think the officiating is so bad just call the GHSA state office and they will help you sign up. There are never enough officials to go around in any sport, and obviously there are several people who would be great officials making comments on here. Put your body where your mouth is…
PermaT
March 7th, 2010
9:28 am
Irrespective of the horrible officiating all night, this crew at least got one call right last night. That was the last one.
Royal got fouled and the whistle blew before the buzzer sounded.
Norcross has benefited from numerous game changing calls over the years that have gone in their favor. This time, it didn’t. Man up and stop whining and moaning.
Norcross#1
March 7th, 2010
10:15 am
Norcross should have won this game, everyone in that gym knew it. catlawson is absolutely right, let the players play the game. It is extremely disapointing knowing that the ghsa refs will call what they want- not what they see. As far as im concerned, norcross is still number 1.
andy
March 7th, 2010
10:19 am
This is high school basketball there is no reason why a call (Especially a call like that which is so subjective) should ever determine a game. If they don’t even have the legitimacy and formality to put time on the clock then how do you make a call like that.
On a side note: The Norcross Fans where yelling at Milton’s head coach after the game and he completely lost his composure and started to yell at high school kids very persistently. Shows alot about his character.
cathy mcmillan
March 7th, 2010
10:25 am
The best coach on the floor in the Milton/Norcross game was the youngest coach on the floor. And the classiest act on the floor was the same. It is a shame to see a game come down to the actions of a referee, and yes, everyone in the gym knows Norcross got ripped. In SC, several years ago, a state championship game came down to a very controversial call at the end which prompted the SCHSL to institute video review of the last minute of a championship. Should GA consider this? Coach Mac took a group of kids who did not play much last year and COACHED them to many of those wins. Best wishes to all teams who advanced, especially the Norcross girls.
as I see It
March 7th, 2010
10:26 am
Dont worry Norcross Newton will kill Milton! Newton has been flying under
the radar
creh
March 7th, 2010
10:41 am
The Two Boyd Brother from Smyrna in the Final Four . Go Milton and GAC!!!
Blue devil mom
March 7th, 2010
10:50 am
Milton knows what it is. Norcross definitely won the game. I will admit Norcross didn’t play to the best of their ability but they still pulled through in the end and the ref snatched the game from them. DEAD WRONG. Milton is not going to the championship…THEY DON’T DESERVE IT!!!!
gahsfan
March 7th, 2010
10:56 am
the slow down play of Milton was unprofessional. here is a team with all of their so called top 25 all americans and they ran scared of Norcross the whole game.
I was nuetral but than began rooting for Norcross when Milton was playing teh stall game – holding the ball for a full minute at the end of each quarter.
Lamb had a layup at the end of hte 1st half that as others have said clearly left his hand before the buzzer – no doubt about it. Did the refs get together and discuss? NO. The Norcross Coach should have made a huge deal out of this one – sometimes you never know when a make up call might come and it might have come or not come on the last second foul.
Lamb had a steal and laid the ball in but the Ref again missed a good game and called the fould before the shot – should have been 2 points plus the free throw.
Milton plays boring basketball.
They are fortunate that Norcross and Wheeler are gone because those two teams are better than Milton.
Westlake and Central Gwinnett will have a great chance against Milton because their Coach does not let the talent loose – choosing instead to over coach adn try to be the star of the show.
Yelling at the Norcross Students is uncalled for – he should put himself in their shoes haveing just been “Royal”ly screwed by the Refs.
Matt
March 7th, 2010
11:08 am
Norcross should have won? What game were you watching. They only scored 21 points in the first half! Milton did a great job on defense and blocks a ton of Nocross’ shots. Norcross playing zone is a joke .. their coach should make them play man but he’s got no depth so he can’t. No college coach wants a kid who plays zone all the time. Only when the went man did they get back into the game. Also, thanks to the one ref who called six fouls in a row vs Milton to make the game close in the second half. Milton should have blown them out but they wanted to eat clock more than score off their press offense – SCORE against the press just don’t break it. The two calls at end were wrong. With Milton up by one, Norcross had the ball on the defensive rebound yet they call the over the back on Royal – thats BS. Nickerson gets two free throws – Nocross up by one. Lloyd fight for the offensive rebound and gets hammered (as Jesse was telling his guys to do) and no call the refs give Julian two shots for being pushed on the offensive rebounds. It was what it was and Julian hit the Free Throws under insane conditions. That’s life, someone wins, someone loses .. get over it.
Desmond
March 7th, 2010
11:31 am
These are some of the most delusional points of veiw that have ever been posted. Norcross lossssttttt the game. It was a foul. The whistle blew before the horn. The free throws were made. The results were posted in the official book.
What part of this are you people not able to comprehend?
Patrick
March 7th, 2010
11:49 am
How can you call a foul with no time left on the clock?
Sounds like the refs essentially decided the outcome of the came with a call like that.
Ant
March 7th, 2010
11:52 am
The layup before the end of the half should’ve counted, because the ref’s didn’t call the double dribble or the travel prior to….instead they just waived the whole thing off! There was clearly a foul at the end of the game, the ref blew the whistle, confered to validate the call, although I do agree there should’ve been a lil time added to the clock…….
Ant
March 7th, 2010
11:53 am
On top of that Norcross played terrible…..Milton wasn’t too much better…..With that being said Newton doesn’t stand a chance…..lol
creh
March 7th, 2010
12:11 pm
game isnt over until ref say it it and blow the whisle
hoops1000
March 7th, 2010
12:17 pm
The same ref that waved off the end of the 1st half basket was the same ref that called the foul after the buzzer. He is also the same ref that called a bogus technical foul against David Allen (Central Gwinnett Coach) in the next boy’s game.
Norcross played Milton exactly TWO possessions of zone. Both in the 1st half. Matt you are ignorant.
Norcross scored 21 points in the 1st half and Milton scored 28. The 3rd quarter score was 8-6 in favor of Milton. Sounds like there was defense played on both ends. Milton had the benefit of 6′8 Royal and 6′7 Nolte around the rim to help them score some high percentage shots. Norcross had 6′4 Malcolm McDonald and 6′6 E.Victor Nickerson (who was playing with a MCL sprain suffered in the Meadowcreek game). Norcross had to shoot more jumpers and unfortunately Lamb was off.
Both teams played a heck of a game. It is unfortunate that it ended like that on something that happened after the horn. TWO referees signaled game over while the one decided he wasn’t happy with what transpired.
Bottom line, Norcross was down as much as 12 at the start of the 4th. They played their hearts out enough to take the lead and KEEP the lead when the horn sounded. Norcross WON this game.
Boyd is the most juvenile coach in the state of Georgia and possibly the entire Southeast. We have witnessed his immature actions after EACH game since the end of the regular season. Whether it be taunting the Wheeler student section, flashing his old state championship rings, or cursing the Norcross student section, this MAN is NOT an appropriate example of who should be in charge of young adults.
Finally, as his quotes in this article read, he knows that he MUST insist that there was time on the clock. If not, it proves the game was over. Boyd knows that he lost this game. He couldn’t coach his team when the going got tough. Instead he had to let a ref decide it for him.
Norcross will be back waiting on Milton next year.
Horrible
March 7th, 2010
12:19 pm
That was the worst call in the history of basketball.
I was sitting by the University of Alabama coach, and he stated that the ref called the foul after the buzzer.
HORRIBLE CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
marty johnson
March 7th, 2010
12:59 pm
i just dont understand how they could make a call with the time running down and julian wasnt even making an attempt at the basket…..we fought back and 1 very questionable ended our season
Juan from Milton
March 7th, 2010
1:26 pm
My name is Juan. I am blind. I hear of this game called basketball. It sounds like fun. I cannot see and I cannot count, but I would be a good referee. My father was a referee at a game last night. He thinks that I would be just as good as he is. GHSA please call.
Cinderella?
March 7th, 2010
1:43 pm
Central Gwinnett is having a hell of a run. And they have no transfers! All home grown talent. Just like Milton
REV "T"
March 7th, 2010
1:48 pm
Refs are human, not perfect and like all of us should be accountable for their actions. But since coaches can’t protest and fans can’t do more than talk without serious jail time, the refs are really above the law. How much longer must our great kids and coaches elevate their game, learn all they can, practice year long just be be subjected to below bar officials, according to the losing teams, numerous visiting refs and coaches from other states. Refs, you must step up your game, hone your skills or become a simple fan. I still believe in you but you must police yourself or one day you will be held accountable. Since you refs are a dirrect results of leadership, You heads guys and gals in charge of all these ref organizations had better look at yourself too. Maybe you are just too old, too use of the good old boy crap to really care. Step up your game or step aside. Fix the problems among your refs NOW prior to the next level of play. Any ref who has more than 6 commplaints should lose half their pay for the year. Something to think about.
GssiT
March 7th, 2010
2:13 pm
It’s inferred by the many comments that the same crew had worked an earlier game the same day. There in lies the problem. The semi-finals of any event deserve fresh officials. Oh, yes GHSA, the officials would jump at this. I hope this wasn’t the situation.
AllBlue
March 7th, 2010
2:21 pm
There may be some justice after all! I just heard that a conference call has been scheduled tonight to address the end of the game. Apparently, the tape is clear that time had expired before the foul, let alone the call.
The same person told me that there is a lot of pressure for a replay on Tuesday night that would be held at a neutral high school gym.
MHS FTW
March 7th, 2010
2:44 pm
who cares, GO EAGLES
MILTION FAN
March 7th, 2010
3:52 pm
not gunna lie BAD CALL ON THE REF …. IF IT WASNT A REPLY WHY U CALL FOUL DEN WEN U DNT KNW OF TIME WAS ON THE CLOCK ?
mike
March 7th, 2010
4:11 pm
can U ATLEAST PUT .02 SEC ON THE CLOCK IF U GUNNA MAKE A CALL AT THE END NOT KNWOIN HOW MUCH TIME LEFT PUT SUMTHINNNN ON THE CLOCK IF U DNT MAKE IT LOOK LIKE THE REFS DEF CHEATED SO IF U DNT KNW THE TIME HOW CAN U CALL A FOUL>>>>????? SUMTHIN NEEDS TO HAPPIN NO PAY FOR THE REFS AND IF U BEEN REFFIN ALLL DAY DNT REF A IMPORTANT GAME DATS ON THE LINE !!!!!
Chevi
March 7th, 2010
4:34 pm
I was there and I love my Blue Devils!!! The officiating was HORRIBLE for the entire game. Why so much hate towards Norcross? Our football team gets shafted by officials, our cheerleaders get shafted by judges and yes….this time our basketball team was SHAFTED too!!! Unbelievable! How could any grown man sleep at night after doing this to a group of hard working young men? Blue Devils keep your heads up. We played a terrible first half but we got the job done in the second half. An awesome game! You won no matter what the stupid official said. AND what was up with all the meetings at the scoretable all through the game?! The same nutritionally challenged ref was at the table SEVERAL times making “adjustments”. HORRIBLE…just HORRIBLE!
Doyle Hargreaves
March 7th, 2010
4:45 pm
So Chevi, What time do you guys tip off against Newton on the 11th?
Ron
March 7th, 2010
4:50 pm
I think it sounds like a crap call from the officials. You do not end a game like that.
Charles Davenport
March 7th, 2010
5:40 pm
Newton doesn’t stand a chance Ant, are you serious, you North Metro school boosters are amazingly arrogant and ignorant, do your homework on Newton before you count them out, let the majority of you tell it Newton shouldn’t be in the Final Four, but at least Newton didn’t need the help of the refs to make the Final Four they earned it and beat the teams they faced fair and square.
Norcross FAN
March 7th, 2010
5:41 pm
does anyone have any more infromation about this supposed conference call scheduled for tonight? if so PLEASE post! thanks!
miltonstudent_living in cobb
March 7th, 2010
5:44 pm
Norcross won and EVERYONE knows it I hope fox 5 gets a hold of the tapes and blasts it on the news. They advance and will probably win state, but they were GIVEN then game last night, they ALL know it.
It would be wonderful to play that game again and see the results over.
Shame on you ref.
I think I am goign to turn myself in to ghsa for living in cobb but attending Milton
norcross_fan#2
March 7th, 2010
5:50 pm
I havent heard anything, I am thinking its probably just a rumor
Milton Fan (the original)
March 7th, 2010
5:52 pm
Wow. a lot of sour grapes on here. Thanks Matt for setting it straight. The game should not have been close. Milton is clearly a superior team. That said, Norcross played valiantly and almost beat a better team. That’s the end of the story. On to the Arena.
Norcross should have won
March 7th, 2010
6:05 pm
this has nothing to do with being “soup grapes”. I havent heard anything about a conference of the game, but i hope they do. then maybe norcross will get the justice they deserve.
BDVLS
March 7th, 2010
6:08 pm
lets gooooooo blue! yall should have won, you deserved it. now THATS the end of the story.
Boyd's Mistress
March 7th, 2010
6:45 pm
How’d ya’ll enjoy the game, did my baaabaaay represent? Its been years since me and him and the closet have talked but I still love me some coach Boyd
milton#1
March 7th, 2010
6:53 pm
Thats the way milton. Everybody knows that Milton is the beter team. Everybody knows that in the brawl for the ball there had to be a foul. Milton won the game and Norcross loss get over it.
pembrook burrows III
March 7th, 2010
7:04 pm
Milton and Norcross both cheat/recruit with their boys/girls teams. I am glad Norcross lost and hope HEMBREE/BOYD lose next.
DYNASTY
March 7th, 2010
7:23 pm
Milton#1 shut up Milton is not better than us, you got a cheap call to win. You still have no rings so shut the hell up.
DYNASTY
March 7th, 2010
7:26 pm
pembrook Norcross has another recruit coming in from Alabama he is 6′8, and we have a 6′5 guard coming to
Coach P
March 7th, 2010
7:35 pm
I have heard about the call also. There is quite a bit of buzz right now. I also heard that a couple of law firms have been retained. I haven’t heard who hired them though.
Notcross
March 7th, 2010
7:58 pm
Alright Norcross athletic supporters time to pull up the big girl panties and start looking for players for next year.On second thought I’m sure Oliver Stone would be very interested in your conspiracy theories. You lost the first time you played Milton and you lost the second time too get used to it and over it!
Cry 'til You Die
March 7th, 2010
8:38 pm
Royal was hammered. Lloyd even moreso. Only one was called, and the free throws were made. Milton moves on.
You want time left on the clock, you say? Then when your little conference call/Congressional hearing convenes, demand that the foul against Lloyd be called.
The rest is just whinin’, cryin’, bitchin’, moanin’ and name-callin’: “We’re still better than Milton…..their coach is a bleep…..this happened earlier in the game….that happened later…..etc…..wah, wah, WAHHHHHHHH!!!!!”
Demonstrate a little dignity, Norcross. You too, Wheeler.
webelieve
March 7th, 2010
8:44 pm
Hey Notcross. You must feel proud with this way of “winning”. What a tradition to have started!! Wow! Double Wow! Teach your children well. Now you’re in the books with the other “winners” like Barry Bonds, Ben Johnson, Albert Belle, Mark Mcgwire, Tonya Harding and your beloved coach boy boyd. An asterisk after each one. At least we can sleep at night knowing the best team really won and it sure as hell wasn’t Milton.
g-dub
March 7th, 2010
8:45 pm
Let it go game over. If you blow them out it will take the refs out of the game. When you keep it close anything can happen. Congrats Milton
Notcross
March 7th, 2010
8:51 pm
webelieve pull up those panties and hope you sleep well Thursday night! What time you going to bed 8:30??? We’ll be busy then
webelieve
March 7th, 2010
9:09 pm
Notcross. Tried to put them on but they were too big. Must be the pair I got from your mama.
Real Norcross
March 7th, 2010
9:10 pm
Notcross do you house the Milton players or do they commute from Cobb on game days? PLEASE go sit down somehwere……
Real Norcross
March 7th, 2010
9:14 pm
Next year will play Milton, the refs, and Boyd IF he sticks around…..
we beleive that we will spank that …… next year IF you want some
northside
March 7th, 2010
9:23 pm
stay classy norcross….
WheelerFan #2
March 7th, 2010
9:54 pm
this is pretty ironic for the norcross fans, they got the no call back in 2007 playoffs at home vs wheeler, and now they get the call against them here in 2010…seems fitting to me
northside
March 7th, 2010
9:59 pm
I just think they should take the loss like a man. its all about luck sometimes. Wheeler, norcross,centenial all could be in milton’s postion if some things would of been different. you lost better luck next year….
bigben
March 7th, 2010
10:18 pm
No, it is not the same as 2007. In 2007 the players were allowed to dictate the outcome of the game.
Shooting free-throws with no time on the clock isn’t right. And that is a case of an official dictating who wins and loses the game.
REV "T"
March 7th, 2010
11:12 pm
Hey Refs, see what I mean. It’s never about you but the kids you wronged. Now they want each other’s blood and the beat goes on. All the other games were about the kids. Newton’s last second three as time expired, the kids. Other blowouts, the kids. Norcross the ref. I pray those guys are not refereeing the remainder of the state games. cause they won’t be met with cheers by anyone except Milton.
W/E
March 7th, 2010
11:57 pm
the refs did screw up by not calling Gani for the foul at the end of the Wheeler/ Norcross game in ‘07. No they didn’t dictate the outcome, but I’ve seen stabbings that were less brutal than what Gani did to JJ on his putback attempt. This is what we call karma. It can be a b****. Milton will get a dose of it too before boyd gets done there. That said, ghsa needs to make it a lot more difficult to become a ref. Too many calls are being made by refs who can’t keep up physically and are out of position.
Bigdog
March 8th, 2010
12:13 am
To allyou Norcross fans a’whining, stop it. About 3 yrs ago I watched a first round game of the state tourney where JJ Hickson had a point blank shot at the rim with rime running out, and he was absolutely mauled and no call
was made. Norcross goes on to win the state. Karma is a bear, ain’t it. QUIT YOUR WHINING.
GSUGA
March 8th, 2010
1:05 am
Get off GHSA’s case about where they are having tournaments. Try traveling like Bainbridge or Lowndes or other schools in the South, East, or West area. Quit whining about travel. Just go to the games…..Who wants to go to GA State or Kennesaw to play anything? Macon is the center of the state and the most fair travel site for all. Since there are 320 boys and girls teams that participate in the tournament now instead of 80 when only the region champion went to the state you have to spread out the tournament instead of having the girls all one week and the boys the next week as they use to do. Even then they were usually at Tech and Macon. Evidently it is all about the money.
Legend of Len Barker
March 8th, 2010
2:14 am
Evans had to travel to Bainbridge for a state tournament game this year.
The GHSA actually was pretty crazy on how the tournaments were set up initially. AAA boys were played at Alexander after it was built. Classes B and C got the Macon City Auditorium. All other classifications for girls got the short end of the stick.
For years, Class AAA girls was at R.E. Lee in Thomaston. The only reason I can figure is that R.E. Lee had a dedicated program and were coached by Jim Cavan. One year, though, the tourney was played at Valdosta High. Valdosta had a brick dinosaur of a gym at that time.
One year, the AA girls’ finals were held in Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald didn’t have a girls’ team at that time (segregated Monitor and Queensland did, though). Strange. This was also the first year that the GHSA experimented with allowing the top four finishers in a region tournament to go to state. That only applied to Class AA and only lasted one year. I’m still not quite sure how they arranged the brackets, though. We are quite the south Georgia school and played College Park in the first round and Hart County in the second.
As late as 1979, the GHSA didn’t mind shipping the girls off to a second rate spot. Not that the buildings were that bad, but the boys got bigger venues. In ‘79 AAA and AA girls were at Crisp County High in Cordele.
You decide
March 8th, 2010
5:42 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-izIVcIxQI
Mike
March 8th, 2010
7:26 am
it’s even worse after you see the replay. That being said you know the”foul” was called late. Two of the three refs called the game. They would have heard the whistle before the buzzer. If there is no whistle the game is over. That call is never made. That ref had an agenda.
3 Straight
March 8th, 2010
7:41 am
Come to http://norcrosshighbasketball.blogspot.com/ to see the video of the Norcross Milton controversy
ZONE 15
March 8th, 2010
8:17 am
you lost shut up and take it like a man norcross
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
8:31 am
Call Oliver Stone he’s looking for more fiction!!!
Mr. Skeptical
March 8th, 2010
9:10 am
Wow. Homegrown? Are you serious? I remember when Boyd brought in 7 new bodies with him and the parents of Milton kids who had been on varsity went ballistic. Keep those rose-colored glasses on, it will help you in life. Especially when Boyd’s antics start really taste bad.
northside
March 8th, 2010
9:31 am
too bad i live up here and everyone loves those kids, they are just like every other student who goes there. the whole town embraces the team the girls and the boys so you might want to actually get your info straight
coach boyd is the man
Bigdog
March 8th, 2010
9:42 am
Saw the replay and I must admit, Norcros got jobbed. But, again, this is NO different (and actually less egregious) than the ‘no call’ against Wheeler in 07. like I said, Karma….a BEOTCH! Suck it up gents.
Retired_Coach
March 8th, 2010
10:01 am
I would normally not respond to such an article, but being that I was in attendance on Saturday evening and I am retired basketball coach of more than 30 years in the profession, I thought I would give my views to all of this rhetoric. First of all, should Milton go on and win the State Championship, it will always be remembered for the event that happened at the end of the game against Norcross and that is probably unfair to them. Both teams played great defense and to the person that wrote, “Norcross played ZONE the entire game, perhaps you need to watch the game more. Norcross only played zone for about 3 minutes of the first half while two of their starters were in foul trouble. The rest of the game they played man to man defense. I sat across from their bench and saw the signs that their assistant coach held up for the players to see. As for the negative comments towards the coaches, what does someone’s personal life have to do with the outcome of a basketball game and how can you criticize either coach for the poor shooting by their players? None of the players that I witnessed were high level DI players ON THAT NIGHT. (I was impressed with #21 for Norcross. He gave up at least 5 inches of height inside and dominated Milton inside with quick moves to the basket and getting his hands on the ball more than anyone else. But, don’t think he is DI)Other than that, ON THAT NIGHT, everyone else was pretty much even. So you can’t point fingers at players or coaches for their effort and decisions. And now to blaming refs…as a coach, I had my fair share of disagreements with refs, but never to the point I cried someone cheated. I don’t think anyone was cheated here. I think the game ended ufairly however, Georgia needs to institute the replay or the automated whistle system that is used in other states. It would help in games being held at neutral sites. Afterall, isn’t that the idea of playing at a large neutral site such as a college (where they have this equipment available) to offer fairness. The Norcross coach seemed very much a gentleman in the end and so did his entire squad. The kid that knocked down the free throws had to make them whether there was time on the clock or not. And no it is not possible to be fouled with no time on the clock, so yes there should have been some time on the clock. In the end the score stands and Milton wins and Norcross loses, but to be honest, both teams lost on that night and both teams won. It was a great game by young men playing hard and the game will only be remembered for the final second or the lack of one.
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
10:06 am
Let me get this straight NORCROSS is complaining about transfers???? Really I mean REALLY It’s time to acknowledge that your basketball success left with Martin. Lets ask Hubbard shall we.
Speedygurl
March 8th, 2010
10:14 am
Norcross did not play a great game but the officiating was horrible – right off the start. I am a basketball fan that attended the game. Not rooting for either team. Milton played, but they too did not play a great game. It was just a good game.
Boyd…enjoy the ride while you can.
phil goddard
March 8th, 2010
10:34 am
Let me put this in words that even an official can understand. NO TIME LEFT, GAME OVER!!!!!!!!! You can not foul with no time on the clock!!!!
Truth4Westlake
March 8th, 2010
10:37 am
Someone from Central Gwinnet said that they and Milton win with homegrown talent. Thats just not true for Milton sake we all kno that. Westlake defiently isnt looking to far ahead of Central Gwinnet very talented team and we will have to play well to beat them. Everyone in the nation wants to see Westlake vs. Milton, North vs. South Fulton. Hopefully both teams will take care of business to see a nationally ranked game in my eyes. the #1 team in 5AAAAA (Westlake) vs #2 (Milton) should be an epic mathcup.
what?
March 8th, 2010
10:47 am
Notcross? Are you crazy? Norcross is 54-6 in the two years since Martin left.
WheelerFan #2
March 8th, 2010
10:59 am
just watched the video, and that is ridiculously close, i dont even think i could guess which was first, the whistle or the horn
WheelerFan #2
March 8th, 2010
11:00 am
looks like the whistle blew a hair after the red lights came on on the clock above the basket, but who knows for sure, if the ref saw a foul he called, and theres really no way around that
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
11:12 am
also don’t know what the other posters who state as a fact 2 officials called game over were looking at! no official called game over they both went to the ref with the call the right move by the way
Mike
March 8th, 2010
11:16 am
Notcross, learn something about basketball. It would help you. If the whistle is after the horn the game is over. That is all you can go by. the other referees called the game because no whistle was blown.
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
11:35 am
Mikie, Mikie Mike where did you go to ref school???
1. The foul occurred during regulation
2. ref in position saw the foul and CALLED IT
doesn’t really matter when the whistle blew and the game ends when the refs say the game ends not at the horn exactly what the refs said happened happened
“The explanation I got from the ref was ‘We don’t have replay, so there is no way to say how much time we should put on there.’ He explained it the best he could.”
WheelerFan #2
March 8th, 2010
12:02 pm
i agree somewhat with notcross, i think there was a foul, but also there should have been some amount of time added, thats the only argument norcross fans can make, not that a foul was called but that there was no time added back…whether it was .5 seconds or what, some amount shoulda been added, but the foul call itself is not the bad call
gakat1
March 8th, 2010
12:15 pm
Let’s face it, after seeing the video about 10 times, the official (rather thief) that made that call should never ever be allowed to call a game again in the state of Georgia. No other solution, fire him. The GHSA has no gonads.
And yes I was there and live an hour south of Atlanta. Impartial, just that officials need to pay the price for incompetence.
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
12:15 pm
In all fairness I would agree some time might be put back but what difference would it have really made with less than .4 you cannot catch the ball and as soon as anyone touches the ball game over
but thinking about it putting time on the clock it would have made the freethrows easier with players lined up along the lane
You be the referee and make the call in the controversial ending to the Milton-Norcross playoff game | Prep Zone: AJC High School Sports
March 8th, 2010
12:17 pm
[...] Also, to get a full recap of the story, please click on this link for the article. [...]
Mike
March 8th, 2010
12:31 pm
Notcross, I would agree if they made the call on the shot prior to the “foul” no one would argue. The call the ref made is never called in that situation.
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
12:35 pm
“The call the ref made is never called in that situation.”
guess you cant say that anymore
Milton fan
March 8th, 2010
12:39 pm
The ilton kids are all good kids. good students (Northwestern and Duke is recruiting the 3 that aren’t already committed – you have to be good AND a good student to be considered for both of those). They are respectful on and off the court. I am sure the Norcross kids are nice also from what I saw of them play this game. They were serious-minded and conducted themselves with class. So, leave the kids out of this. And the call: Maybe it shoildn’t have been made with only a second left (it was a foul), but the foul on Lloyd SHOULD have been called. Norcross was very lucky to even be in this game. They played a very tough and gritty defensive game (zones are legal) and Milton still, by sheer talent keot them compfotably ar =t bay from the end of Q1 until 3 or 4 mins left in the game when Norcross had to intentionally foul on every Milton possession to have a chance.. If Milton could make free throws from late game intentional fouls every time they are 10 pts up with 2 mins to play, they would have easily iced this one away. So, Norcross, you weren’t robbed, you were outplayed almost the entire game – despite a very good defensive effort – by a very talented team. It happens some years. You were not entitled to this victory, so do not feel victimized. I will say again, the Norcross coach and players appear very classy. As are Miltons kids.
Mike
March 8th, 2010
12:40 pm
incompetent ref. really pathetic. if you play basketball you know it was BS
Don'tTypicallyPost
March 8th, 2010
12:51 pm
I don’t typically post, because I think the comments quickly degrade to name calling and mud slinging more than discussion, BUT since the season is over…here we go…
Addressing a few points:
1) Norcross recruits – Are the people who say that parents? Probably not. Norcross not only wins, but also competes at a high level, travels nationally and is on the radar of just about every college coach in any division. What parent wouldn’t want their kid in that environment? What parent wouldn’t give their child every chance to succeed? I am pretty sure any transfer to Norcross came, because they were seeking the best opportunity…not because a Norcross coach asked them.
ALSO, what master recruiting plan was it of Coach Macs to have NO true big men and a point guard with ONE functioning ear? Coach Mac coaches and develops talent and does it well.
2) Reffing – Everybody likes to complain about refs whether they are deserving of it or not, so it feels a little like crying wolf when it truly happens. The past couple years the refs have been horrific for Gwinnett County. I watch enough games to personally make this generalization and feel confident doing so. I do not know the training and selection process for referees, but it HAS to be looked into, especially for a county with some of the state’s BEST talent. A great referee is one that no one notices, that doesn’t impact the outcome of the game and keeps it moving safely.
3) The Norcross-Milton game – Someone posted earlier that, because Milton beat Norcross earlier this year, there should be no question that Milton won last weekend. With that theory in mind, Norcross didn’t beat Peachtree Ridge the second and third time they played them? Ah, but they did!
The entire game was called poorly. The push in Jeremy’s back could have been a tech. The lay-up at the end of the half should have counted. There should have been time left on the clock with the last foul. Watch the tape – Royal was not fouled. If there was a foul, it was the first rebound, which would mean a different free throw shooter, who may have not made them and time on the clock. No, Norcross did not play well in the first and third quarters, and one of their starters fouled out, BUT they still fought back, never gave up and deserved to win that game. Norcross should be heading to this week’s final four.
Notcross
March 8th, 2010
12:53 pm
I agree grabbing another player from behind because you just stood there and didn’t box out s BS and has to be called no matter how much time is on the clock
Take a good look he’s not even going for the ball
Milton fan
March 8th, 2010
2:53 pm
BTW, did you SEE Dai Jon’s breakaway, contested dunk!!!! wow.
No dog in this hunt
March 8th, 2010
4:23 pm
I am not even sure which team was which but the team in the dark color fouled the shooter before the rebound action even happened. So it looks like the comments about the bad refs may be valid.
The GHSA takes questions about the controversial ending to state playoff game (UPDATED) | Prep Zone: AJC High School Sports
March 8th, 2010
4:51 pm
[...] Believe it or not? Milton defeats Norcross with time expired. Click here. [...]
transfer_parent
March 9th, 2010
1:13 pm
DontTypicallyPost – you have made the most sense thus far.
Notcross–please really you have NO idea what you are talking about, BUT we will all be there cheering on watching ya’ll win state GOOD LUCK! see ya next year!
Asterisks
March 12th, 2010
1:16 pm
The bottom line is Norcross proved to be better than Milton and therefore should have won. The fact that Milton actually didn’t win this game and the fact that they advanced isn’t based on how well they played but based on how bad the officiating was.
miller
March 13th, 2010
6:51 pm
Hey Norcross should have won. but we already have 3 championship rings anyway. And our girls won state this year anyway.
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