Thirty seconds remained when South worked the clock down to eight seconds before Bruce drove past David and hit an impossible reverse lay-up. Four seconds glowed brightly in red on the digital scoreboard, and victory was once again within South's reach.

Coach Sherman was about to pull the four remaining hairs from his head, because his star player had once again ‘gone off the reservation’ by ignoring his pleas. In regulation, the “Whatever you do don’t foul!” directive was quickly forgotten and then before his eyes, his star player ignored the “Start your move with four or five seconds” request.

Four seconds was an eternity in basketball, especially when the other team had a shooter that could light it up from the parking lot.

Bill Holland and David had often thrown a football around and would need that familiar interaction for the last play. Holland was handed the ball by referee Casey who said, “You can run the baseline. The ball is in play!” and blew his whistle.

The other North players scurried around like mice that knew where they were going in a maze. David started on his customary left block and then ran toward Billy and half-court, until Seth Conroy and Keith Oldham stepped up and set a crushing double-pick on Bruce. Bruce managed to absorb the blow from the brick wall by grabbing a hold of David’s jersey and running along for the ride. David curled toward the right sideline and Bruce was now a few steps behind.