THE ‘CHAYSE’ WAS ON: Calvin sparks Plymouth past Salem

The “Cardiac ‘Cats” did it again.

For the third time in a three-week span, Plymouth’s basketball team Friday night survived a super-tense ending, edging Salem, 59-58, on a Chayse Calvin free throw with 2.1 seconds left on the clock.

Calvin was fouled at the rim when he raced nearly coast-to-coast after securing an inbounds pass with 7.4 seconds left and the Wildcats and Rocks deadlocked at 58-58.

He made one of two free throws and Salem junior guard Landen Stone’s desperation heave past mid-court came up short, triggering a wild celebration on the Plymouth end of the court.

Drama kings

Since Jan. 23, the Wildcats have posted two overtime victories and Friday’s thrilling win, writing a script that would make for a compelling Netflix series.

Calvin was “The Man” for most of the game, finishing with a game-high 25 points, which included multiple twisting and slashing drives to the basket.

Plymouth senior Zerry Rue contributed 10 points and a few dazzling assists, including a behind-the-back dime to Calvin on a first-half fast brea.

Among the winners’ unsung heroes was sophomore Noah Bravo, who scored 11 points — 9 coming on three treys — and junior Justin Haywood, who buried a deep-corner three during fourth quarter crunch time.

Salem’s balanced scoring ledger was topped by junior Mitch Paspal (19 points), Ezekiel Chinyadza (13) and Darrel Williams, who netted 12.

Plymouth led 29-22 at the half before Salem cut its deficit to 43-37 entering the fourth quarter.

Among the Rocks’ fourth quarter heroes were Chinyadza, who drained back-to-back threes to give the Rocks a 52-49 lead with 3:24 to play; and Paspal, whose and-1 with 71 ticks on the clock gave the visitors a 58-55 advantage.

The Wildcats responded to Paspal’s three-point play with a Calvin bucket to cut the deficit to 1 point.

A Preston Sholler free throw knotted the game at 58-58, setting the stage for Calvin’s game-winning drive.