Hicks tips Mayo into state tournament
Post-Bulletin staff
Jordan Hicks played the hero’s role with a dramatic tip-in basket at the final buzzer for the game-winning points in Rochester Mayo’s 54-52 win over Owatonna in the Section One, Class AAAA boys basketball championship game Wednesday night at Mayo Civic Center’s Taylor Arena.
Mayo erased Owatonna’s 52-51 lead with 1 minute remaining on a free throw by Garrett Benson. Benson missed the second free throw, but he was able to track down a long rebound and Mayo retained possession.
Mayo controlled the ball for the final minute, calling a time out with 27 seconds to set up a final shot. A shot attempt rolled off with a few seconds left, but Hicks, a 6-foot-6 senior, soared in a tapped the ball in as the buzzer sounded.
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Mayo qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 1997. The Spartans take a 24-4 record into the first round Wednesday. The opponent and time will be determined after the teams are seeded in the state tournament bracket.
Owatonna finished with a 16-13 record, losing three times to Mayo.
