Lely Gets Chance for Revenge in Regionals

It was a week of highs and lows for the Lely basketball team. Wednesday night’s buzzer beater win over arch-rival Naples in the district semi-final was a high. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, defensive specialist Marckev Fleury corralled a tipped inbounds pass and immediately launched a three-pointer.  Fleury’s shot was true, giving Lely a 71-68 win on Naples’ home court.

Friday night’s district final at Barron Collier was a low, with Lely falling 76-59 to a Cougars team who were undefeated in district play this season. Then on Sunday afternoon the Trojans experienced another high, learning they get a chance to avenge their loss to the Cougars on Thursday, February 16 at 7:00 PM in the Barron Collier gym. The Trojans sneak into the regionals as the eighth and final seed. The Cougars are the region's top seed.

Lely head coach Fritz Jacques was elated after his team’s exciting win over Naples. The Trojans played at the Naples gym three times this season, losing a buzzer beater, 74-71, on December 9, then dropping a 64-62 heartbreaker on January 12.

“We knew it was going to be dogfight,” Jacques said, “this time we were ready. Last time we weren’t ready. They fought. Marckev Fleury is a role player. He works in practice. Doesn’t complain. He made a big play when it counted. I always believe in my kids. We were prepared. I love it.”

Lely and Naples traded the lead back and forth through much of the first half. Lely appeared to take control in the second half, holding an 8 to 10 point lead most of the way.  

But Naples fought back, and after a couple of clutch three-pointers by Charlie Ricketts, had the score tied with seconds left. On the final play of the game, Naples threw an inbounds pass to half court where Lely sophomore Jayce Cora jumped high and deflected the ball to Fleury, who was positioned behind the three-point line on the right side of the court. Fleury’s shot swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, igniting a human explosion in the stands. The Lely fans stormed the court and celebrated with their elated team.

Roy Obsaint led the way for Lely with 21 points - including four first half three-pointers. Mark Belizaire had 14 for the Trojans. Fleury’s dramatic three-pointer was his only score.

The winner of Thursday’s regional quarterfinal between Barron Collier (1) and Lely (8) will face the winner of the Seminole (4) - Mariner (5) match-up on Tuesday, February 21, at the gym of the higher seed.