Tyler Ruth Sinks Buzzer-Beater, L’Anse Creuse North Tops Utica

UTICA – In a thrilling finish, junior forward Tyler Ruth made a buzzer-beating three-pointer, leading L’Anse Creuse North to a dramatic 59-57 victory over Utica on January 16, 2026. The game, part of the Macomb Area Conference White Division, showcased a tight contest where both teams fought for every point, culminating in Ruth’s last-second heroics.

The match not only served as a competitive showcase but also coincided with Utica’s Hall of Fame induction night, adding to the intensity of the atmosphere. “What a great game – a great atmosphere,” said L’Anse Creuse North coach Kurt Wilson. As the game wound down, the Crusaders managed to pull off the win despite facing a series of challenges, including injuries to several key players.

Throughout the game, neither team could establish a commanding lead, with the largest margin being just eight points. The first half saw L’Anse Creuse North lead 30-22 after a strong run, but Utica closed the half with a push, trailing only 33-28 at the break. The Chieftains continued to press in the third quarter, tying the game 45-45 as they entered the final period.

Facing a 54-50 deficit late in the fourth quarter, L’Anse Creuse North rallied back with crucial plays, including a free throw and a step-back three-pointer from Julius Wilson, who finished with a game-high 27 points. “We were down four but came back and tied it,” Wilson noted. “We found a way to get off that shot and won it at the end.”

The final moments were fraught with tension. Utica, led by senior forward Hayden Hermiz, who scored 12 points, took a brief lead at 57-56 with just 15 seconds left. However, without any timeouts remaining, Ruth found an opening and made the decisive shot. “I had just enough space to get it off and I made it,” Ruth shared. “I’ve hit shots like that before, but not a game-winning shot at the buzzer.”

Utica’s head coach, David Hinkle, reflected on the close defeat, emphasizing a defensive lapse that allowed Ruth the opportunity for his winning shot. “I thought our guy actually played pretty good defense,” Hinkle stated. “But we left the ball side open and had a defender leave to help.”

Despite their disappointment, Hinkle praised his team’s effort, noting their performance aligned with the pride of their Hall of Fame inductees. “I feel bad for the kids, but they represented our school well,” he said.

L’Anse Creuse North, now holding a record of 8-4 and 3-0 in the conference, showcased resilience and adaptability, especially with several players sidelined due to injuries. Coach Wilson highlighted the contributions of younger athletes stepping up to fill crucial roles. “We are missing some guys and we’re asking a lot of younger players to step up right now,” he explained.

In terms of statistics, L’Anse Creuse North shot 48.7% from the floor and hit 42.2% of their three-point attempts, converting 13 of 18 free throws. The team out-rebounded Utica 24 to 20, which proved critical in maintaining possession during key moments of the game.

As for Utica, while they struggled with consistency, their efforts were commendable. The Chieftains ended up shooting 31.4% from the field and managed to sink 31.3% of their three-point attempts, finishing with a record of 6-5 and 1-2 in conference play.

This thrilling encounter not only highlighted the competitive spirit of high school basketball but also underscored the importance of teamwork and clutch performances in securing victory.