Dorian Waller is a Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler High School for AZPreps365.com.

CHANDLER – Dramatics were on full display in Hamilton’s insane 40-39 victory over Chandler on Tuesday night.

Hamilton Huskies guard Marquice Cole Jr. recorded a double-double, scoring 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting from the field, and adding 10 rebounds.

Hamilton coach Doug Harris, speaking about the history of matchups against Chandler, said the late-game drramatics were to be expected.

“The games against Chandler are always going to be like that,” Harris said. “They're always going to come down to the end, they're always going to be dramatic, theyre always going to be that loud. So, I think our kids were ready for that.”

Chandler was led by junior forward Brandon Stapleton and junior guard JP Perez-Avila, who both scored in double figures. Stapleton recorded 11 points and seven rebounds in the loss, while Perez-Avila scored 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting.

Chandler led 22-16 at halftime, but the Huskies responded in a big way in the third quarter.

Huskies sophomore guard Nate Tainsky opened the second half with back-to-back 3-pointers. These shots proved to be big momentum shifters for the Huskies, who used that momentum to propel themselves to a 34-30 lead after three quarters.

The Huskies expanded on their lead in the fourth, going up by as much as nine points with three minutes left in the game.  But the Wolves continued to fight, trimming the lead to just one with 13 seconds remaining behind a flurry of Stapleton buckets.

After a Hamilton timeout, the Huskies struggled to inbound the ball in the backcourt. The Wolves applied an aggressive full-court press leading to a Charles Cobbs steal. After resetting the play, Wolves guard JT Mercado drove strong to the hoop, getting fouled in the process.

With two seconds remaining in the game, the late-game dramatics ensued.

Harris called a timeout to ice Mercado at the line. During this timeout, Hamilton’s rambunctious student section left their spot behind Hamilton’s bench and moved behind Chandler’s bench in an attempt to distract the Wolves.

Down by one, Mercado stepped to the line for his first free throw attempt. On his right side, Hamilton’s Cole Jr. clapped and yelled at him. Mercado missed his first attempt, sending Chandler’s bench into a fury.

Wolves coach Jonathan Rother was enraged on the sideline as he lobbied for an additional attempt for Mercado. Referees stood firm on their decision to deny Mercado another shot, opting to scold Cole Jr. instead.

Mercado missed his second attempt to tie the game as well, but due to a lane violation, he was given another chance to ice the game.

As the referees discussed adding more time to the clock at the scorer's table, more shenanigans ensued. Hamilton’s cheerleaders shifted from their baseline to Chandler’s in an attempt to further distract Mercado.

The referees sent them back to their baseline as Mercado prepared his third attempt at the line. Mercado was unable to connect on all three attempts, missing the third free throw, but Chandler had one more opportunity to win the game.

Hamilton secured the rebound off the missed free throw but stepped out of bounds. Now, with 1.5 seconds left, Rother drew up a play to get Stapleton open in the corner for three. The Wolves executed the play well, but Stapleton’s shot went in and out.

The Wolves have dropped seven in a row. After the game, Rother spoke about Tuesday’s wild final moments.

“It’s basketball. I’m not frustrated with anything,” Rother said. “We had one of our best players at the free throw line. That’s exactly who I want up there every time. I’ve got faith in him, whether someone’s clapping or cheerleaders are making their way underneath the rim.”

When asked about the final play, Rother was proud of his team for their late-game execution.

“I’m proud. I had 30 seconds to sit them down and draw something up we’ve never run before,” Rother stated. “We got one of our best players a clean look. We had the opportunity. We just couldn’t hit it.”

Chandler (7-10) will travel to Perry (16-1) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Hamilton (9-8) will travel to Casteel (10-7) on Wednesday at 7 p.m.