Saints Rally Past Mavericks for 100th Win for Hernandez

Seward coach Rylee Hernandez gained his 100th career win in a memorable fashion Monday night in the Green House.  Seward trailed most of the game but Jaylin Henderson connected on a right corner three pointer to put the Saints in from 74-71 with 11 seconds left.  The Saints would win by that score.  Hernandez then saw messages of congratulations from family and former players and coaches on the video board after the win.

The Mavericks jumped on the Saints early taking an 18-7 lead.  NWT led 30-20 and led 32-26 at halftime.  The Mavericks led 62-52 with 6:15 to play.  But Seward’s defense kept them in the game.  Daeyon James right corner three pointer brought the Saints to within one at 66-65.  Mario Whitley’s foul line jumper gave the Saints a 67-66 lead with 1:42 to play.  Whitley tied the game with a put back at 69-69 and another foul line jumper by Whitley tied the score at 71-71.  Henderson hit the corner three for the lead with 11 seconds left.  Seward got a stop on the ensuing possession.

The Saints held Northwest Tech to 37 percent shooting and 34 percent in the second half.  The Mavs were 5-15 from three and 20-25 from the foul line.  The Saints shot just 39 percent in the win and made 7-23 from three and were a dreadful 11-21 from the foul line.  Seward forced 23 NWT turnovers.

Daeyon James has scored 15 points on 5-10 shooting.  Jaylin Henderson scored 15 points and dished five assists.  Mario Whitley had 14 points and eight rebounds.

Seward is 7-5 and 4-5 in the Jayhawk.  Northwest Tech is 7-6 and 3-5 in the Jayhawk.  Seward next plays in the Fiesta Bowl Classic in Mesa, Arizona December 27, 28, and 29.