Middleton, Fla. – The Villages High School boys basketball team found itself on the wrong side of a last-second shot Wednesday night in Middleton.

Matthew Williams sank the game winner with 0.9 seconds remaining to lift Bartow past the Buffalo for a 72-70 victory in the Battle at The Villages championship game, ultimately denying VHS of its repeat attempt at capturing its own tournament title.

Williams' winner capped a furious back-and-forth affair between two of Florida's top programs, bringing a climactic end to the three-day, eight-team event. The title game featured nine ties and 11 lead changes, with Bartow (13-1) handing the Buffalo (10-4) their first home loss this season.

"I'm proud of our boys for fighting tooth and nail to be in a game that really could have gone either way," said VHS head coach Colt McDowell. "That was an amazing high school basketball game. Coach (Terrence) McGriff is one of the best that's ever done it. They're really tough, connected and they played really well, and all the credit goes to them."

The Yellow Jackets were led by 18 points apiece from Ja'Kylen Crossley and Syrus Sinfort, who combined to knock down 11 three-pointers in the win. VHS posted five players in double figures, spearheaded by 14 points each from Herly Brutus and Camryn Lee.

The two teams were nearly identical in many major statistical categories, with Bartow shooting 55% (28-of-51) and VHS finishing at 54% (28-of-52) from the floor. The Yellow Jackets made 11-of-20 attempts from beyond the arc, while the Buffalo only converted 5-of-16 shots from deep.

Aaron Britt, Jr. had 12 points for the Buffalo and Ethan Bevis added 11, while Jomar Bernard tallied all 10 of his points in the second half.

The Buffalo will return to action Jan. 5 when they host Raines, with tipoff set for 4 p.m. inside the VHS Gymnasium in Middleton.


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment via email at cody.hills@tvcs.org.