Overtime Heartbreak: Hillsdale Academy Shocks Mendon

Hillsdale Academy's Head Coach Dustin Scharer coaching his squad Tuesday night. Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

Small-town Mendon delivered a big-time atmosphere Tuesday night as the undefeated Hornets hosted Hillsdale Academy in a matchup that lived up to every ounce of hype and then some. Mendon entered the night 13–0, riding momentum and eyeing history with a chance to break the program’s wins-in-a-row record set by the 2013–14 squad. From the opening tip, it looked like the Hornets were ready to do just that. Mendon came out fast, moving the ball with purpose and controlling the glass early. Their energy translated into an 18–14 lead after the first quarter. Hillsdale Academy, no stranger to tough competition at 11–2 with losses only to Jonesville (12–4) and Concord (12–3), absorbed the early punch and responded. The second quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, but Mendon maintained control heading into halftime with a 33–26 advantage. Confidence was evident from the Hornets coming out of the break but the Colts weren’t finished.

Ryder Gorham of mendon taking control on a fast break for the hornets. Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

Hillsdale clawed their way back in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to 45–42 by the end of the period. Despite never holding a lead throughout regulation, the Colts continued to apply pressure and refused to go away. The fourth quarter was the best basketball of the night. Both teams played with urgency, intensity, and belief. Then, with four seconds left, Hillsdale Academy delivered the moment of the game burying a buzzer-beating three to force overtime, stunning the home crowd and knotting the score at 57–57.

Overtime belonged to Hillsdale. The Hornets struggled to regain rhythm, while the Colts took full control of the extra period. Hillsdale out-executed, out-hustled, and out-scored Mendon in overtime, pulling away for a 76–63 victory that silenced the gym and snapped Mendon’s perfect season.

Varsity Starter and Eighth-grader Jackson Huffman Blocks Mendon's Tristin woods shot Photo by Chris Carpenter | Team TBM

Play of the Game – Presented by PIT Training League

Eighth-grader Jackson Huffman made the defensive play of the night, blocking a Mendon shot to set up Hillsdale’s go-ahead basket. Yes eighth grader.

Player of the Game

Jackson Huffman (Hillsdale Academy) Only an eighth grader, Huffman showcased rare poise, athleticism, and basketball IQ well beyond his years. Tall, explosive, and selfless, he understands the game at a level that’s uncommon for his age. He’s not just a future piece for the Colts he’s a future problem for opponents.

Travis Long – Thoughts Behind the Lens Chants of “Daddy’s Money” echoed through the gym following Mendon’s loss.. directed at Hillsdale Academy due to the ongoing debate surrounding private versus public schools in Michigan athletics. But Tuesday night wasn’t about advantages. If anything, Hillsdale looked like the team destined to lose for most of the game. They trailed from start to finish in regulation, faced a hostile environment, and still found a way to win when it mattered most. The private school didn’t win Tuesday night. The better team did. Hillsdale Academy

Jackson Huffman: 30 Will Cote: 18 Alex Malcheff: 9 Logan Knirk: 8

Mendon

Ryder Gorham: 21 Owen Gorham: 15 Carter Huston: 13 Dante Goto: 11 https://carpenteractionshots.smugmug.com/Photo-Galleries-/2026/Mendon-vs-Hillsdale-Academy-Boy- Full Photo Gallery Link.