By: KJ Cardinal
Kayden Hoskins’ three-pointer with 2.3 seconds left lifted #2 Littleton a 59-58 come-from-behind victory over #6 Woodsville in the semifinals of the 2024 NHIAA Division IV State Tournament on Monday night at Bedford High School.
The Crusaders advance to the title game where they will take on top-seeded Profile on Saturday at 3:00 pm at Colby-Sawyer College in New London.
Littleton trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half before mounting a furious second-half comeback that culminated with Hoskins’ game-winner.
Despite playing without a sick Conner Newcomb, Woodsville came out the gates firing as they opened up the game on a quick 13-2 run. Sophomore point guard Ryan Walker picked up the slack and then some as he poured in 20 first-half point to give the Engineers a 32-19 halftime lead.
The Crusaders responded in the second half with a 26-9 third quarter, including 9 points by Mikey Rodriguez, to give Littleton a 45-41 lead heading into the final stanza. It was a back and forth affair before Woodsville took a two-point lead 58-56, setting the stage for Hoskins’ heroics.
Trailing by two with less than 10 seconds left, Littleton head coach Trevor Howard called a timeout and drew up the final look for Hoskins.
Leading the way for Littleton was Rodriguez (17), while Sam Reagey (16), Hoskins (13) and Dre Akines (9) all made significant contributions.
Woodsville was paced by a game-high 34 points from Walker, while Cowan Kimball chipped in with 9 and Jack Boudreault and Landon Kingsbury had 7 points apiece.
Watch as we go inside the huddle with Trevor Howard as he draws up the game-winning play, which the Crusaders executed to perfection…
Check out the full photo gallery by Jill Stevens…
Check out the full photo gallery by Jeff Criss…
Check out another photo gallery by Betsy Hansen…