Jo time! Last Bison boys shot stuns North Platte at buzzer, 66-64

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — This was the finest McCook basketball moment since Josiah Wilkinson was in kindergarten.

Tied 64-64 with barely six seconds remaining, coach Joe Imus watched his Bison actually run one final play to perfection.

"Exactly how we drew it up," he proclaimed.

McCook coach Joe Imus leads the brigade of congratulations after junior Josiah Wilkinson's driving shot finished a 66-64 win at North Platte Tuesday night — their first over those Class A Bulldogs since 2012. Other Bison among those pictured are sophomores Miles Pollmann(left) and Brody Graham (20).

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

It basically came down to Josiah using what he knows was some divine last second-help.

His driving, slithering last-second shot sat on the rim for what seemed like seconds as it was going to crawl its way out.

"I think the Lord gave me some help on that one," Josiah confirmed.

McCook senior Brett Fraker's diving steal helped start the final craziness and a 66-64 Bison comeback win over North Platte Friday night on those Bulldogs' home floor.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

The ball instead dropped perfectly through North Platte's home net to give McCook's boys a 66-64 lead.

The Bison (8-6 record) could celebrate their first win over big boy up north since 2012 — Josiah's kindergarten year.

So many other heroes deserve credit including three seniors: new Bison Jonathan Patel poured in 16 team-high points and classmate Kaiden Porter delivered 15 for his best game all season.

Plus don't forget senior Brett Fraker playing his first game since hernia surgery before Christmas. His diving forced steal late saved the Bison and forced that final 64-64 tie.

Senior Mitchel Cole also made some clutch late free throws, but more will be featured soon and in the next McCook Gazette.

McCook High's scoring summary according to available information: Patel 16 points, Porter 15, Wilkinson 12, Miles Pullman 6, Mitchel Cole 5, Brett Fraker 3, Bryson Gullion 3, Brody Graham 2.

The Bison now begin Southwest Conference tournament play at Gothenburg, where they'll aim to avenge a 45-40 defeat two weeks ago.