By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
It came down to the buzzer with a Bear victory over the Bobcats ending with a final of 20-19 when Blue Ridge middle school boys basketball team hosted Summit on Jan. 18.

With 2 seconds left on the clock and Blue Ridge down by 1 against Summit, BRS William Russell races down the court to get off one shot in time, but it doesn’t drop.

Just over a minute in the game, Summit Frankie Marquina works to maintain the lead from the free throw line.

No pressure for BRS Dakota Kinsey at the free throw line. BRS is down by 2 points with 27 seconds on the clock.

BRS recognized 8th-graders making the transition to high school. From left are Colton Mathes, Jacob Robinson, William Russell, Dakota Kinsey, and Anthony Martinez.

Summit Chris Burnett grabs his own rebound and takes another shot at the hoop.

From left are BRS Logan Mathes and Summit Townsend Dyer going for a rebound after a free throw.

Summit Sam Dyer looks for an open man under the hoop.

BRS Colton Mathes launches for a rebound against Summit.

Summit Rainier Finley drives down the sideline under pressure from BRS Dom Alcantar.

BRS Dakota Kinsey on a fast break against Summit.

BRS Dom Alcantar sets up on defense against Summit Frankie Marquina.

BRS William Russell calls a play and sets it in motion.

Summit Blake Snoey looks for another way to get to the hoop.

BRS Logan Mathes scans Summit’s defense before firing a pass into the paint.

Summit Rainier Finley is ready for the ball.

BRS Alex Martinez jumps to block a shot by Summit Frankie Marquina.

Summit Henry Couch drains a free throw against BRS.

BRS Dakota Kinsey looks for an open man while guarded by Summit Chris Burnette

Summit Eli Betty looks to send the ball under the hoop.

On the right is Summit South Crawford looking to stop BRS William Russell.

BRS William Russell races down the court while the Blue Ridge bench is cheering him on in the final minute of the game.

Blue Ridge crowd during the final minute of the game.

Summit crowd after winning the game. Of note are the boy in the orange sweatshirt and the airborne baby.