Tyler Ruth’s Last-Second Shot Secures Win for L’Anse Creuse North

UTICA – In a thrilling finish, Tyler Ruth of L’Anse Creuse North sank a three-pointer as time expired, leading his team to a 59-57 victory over the Utica Chieftains on January 16, 2026. This dramatic moment not only fulfilled a long-held dream for the junior forward but also marked a significant win in the Macomb Area Conference White Division.

The game, which coincided with Utica’s Hall of Fame induction night, saw intense competition throughout. Both teams battled fiercely, with neither able to establish a lead greater than eight points. “What a great game – a great atmosphere,” commented L’Anse Creuse North coach Kurt Wilson. The match featured numerous lead changes, with the final moments proving crucial.

Ruth reflected on his last-second shot, recalling childhood practices with his brothers. “We used to practice that in our driveway… I had just enough space to get it off and I made it,” he said. Despite having hit similar shots before, he noted, “Not a (game-winning) shot at the buzzer.”

Both teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 45-45 after a back-and-forth battle. The Chieftains opened the final period with a 9-6 run, gaining a 54-50 advantage, but L’Anse Creuse North rallied. A free throw by Ruth and a step-back three-pointer from teammate Julius Wilson tied the game at 54-54 with just over two minutes remaining.

Utica regained the lead with a three-pointer from senior forward Hayden Hermiz, putting the Chieftains ahead 57-56 with 15 seconds left. However, lacking timeouts, L’Anse Creuse North relied on quick thinking as Ruth found space to execute the game-winning shot.

Despite the loss, Utica coach David Hinkle praised his team’s effort. “I thought our kids represented our school… I thought they would be proud of the way we battled tonight,” he said. Hinkle noted that a defensive lapse allowed Ruth to get open, which ultimately cost them the game.

The Crusaders, now 8-4 with a 3-0 conference record, had to navigate the game with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Coach Wilson emphasized the resilience of his squad, stating, “We are missing some guys and we’re asking a lot of younger players to step up right now.”

In terms of performance, L’Anse Creuse North demonstrated strong shooting, finishing with 48.7 percent from the field and hitting 42.2 percent from three-point range. Julius Wilson led all scorers with a remarkable 27 points, alongside eight rebounds and two blocks. Ruth contributed ten points, while sophomore James Zipay added six.

Utica’s offense, meanwhile, relied heavily on three-point shooting, making 31.3 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc. Hermiz and junior guard Malik Cross-Nelson each scored 12 points, with Cross-Nelson contributing three three-pointers. Despite their efforts, the Chieftains fell to 6-5 overall and 1-2 in the conference.

With the season still unfolding, both teams will look to build on this experience as they continue to navigate their respective challenges in the league. L’Anse Creuse North aims to recover its injured players while maintaining their momentum, while Utica seeks to capitalize on their improved performance from the previous season as they move forward.