By Cody Marshall-Executive Sports Reporter

GALWAY–There is no doubt that the hottest topic in the sports world right now is the success of Denver Broncos’ quarterback Tim Tebow being 7-2 can you help me with my homework as starter and winning games in the 4th quarter multiple times. As a result, the word “tebowing” has become a verb describing either his stance while praying before games, or any comeback win late in a contest. The Galway Golden Eagles basketball team experienced tebowing for the first time last Wednesday against Mayfield when Cody Marshall sank two free throws with 3.7 seconds to play to give Galway a 58-57 win. Friday night, the Golden Eagles were on the road again against St. Johnsville, and the result wasn’t much different.

The Golden Eagles started out a little slower than usual, but that’s no shock after Wednesday’s thriller. Jamie Freebern, Evan Ceroalo, and Cody Marshall scored the first few baskets for the Golden Eagles en route to a 13-9 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter had less scoring, as both teams managed 8 points to make it a 21-17 game at the half. St. Johnsville, no longer combined with Oppenheim-Ephratah for boys’ basketball, used just 6 players in the game, making it interesting when James Looman and Brandon Campione each drew their 4th fouls.

The second half provided about the same amount of thrill that Galway and Mayfield produced two days earlier. St. Johnsville took advantage of Jamie Freebern’s foul trouble to take a 31-28 lead after three periods of play. From there, Jamie Freebern remained in the game, even after drawing his fourth foul, to bolster the defense. With about a minute to go, Jamie Freebern hit a 10 foot runner in the lane to put Galway up 44-42. However, Jonny Viccerialli answered with a three-pointer with just over 30 seconds to play to put the Saints up 45-44. The next possession was critical, but we’ve seen the Golden Eagles respond. Shane Marshall hooked up with Jamie Freebern at the foul line, who turned and saw Cody Marshall taking the baseline and delivered a decent pass that allowed Marshall to do it again. With just over 12 seconds to play, the layup from Cody Marshall put Galway in the lead at 46-45. The ensuing Saints possession ended when Alex Hart’s three-point attempt missed and James Looman’s attempt at a put back was too late as the buzzer sounded.

Jamie Freebern lead the Golden Eagles with 21 points, followed by Cody Marshall’s 18. Evan Ceroalo, Nick Manna, and Shane Marshall had 2 each, while Dylan Gregory finished the scoring with 1 point. The Saints were led by Jonny Viccerialli’s 16 points. The win puts the Golden Eagles (2-5 overall, 2-3 WAC) in 4th place in the North, behind Canajoharie, Fort Plain, and Saratoga Catholic. Currently, the Golden Eagles are ahead of Northville, Mayfield, and St. Johnsville. The Golden Eagles hit the hardwood again on Wednesday when they take on WAC North-leading Canajoharie at 6pm on the road.

Some interesting stats for the Golden Eagles to mention:

Cody Marshall and Jamie Freebern are among the top 15 scorers in Section 2 right now. Marshall’s 102 points is good enough for 8th, while Freebern sits in 15th with 90, tied with Cairo-Durham’s Brendan Halligan.

Cody Marshall is 12th in the Section in free-throw percentage at 84.8%, and his 28 made free throws puts him in a tie for 3rd with Cairo-Durham’s Brendan Halligan. Marshall and Halligan are 4 behind the leaders (Daquan Johnson of Albany and Junha Shin of Chatham.)

Overall, the Golden Eagles are 12th in Class C right now out of 22 schools.