First it was freshman Diana Hurtado and the girls team against Woodson. Then it was senior Chris Sheehy and the boys team against West Potomac. For the Atoms, buzzer beaters are becoming a regularity.

“It was exhilarating and its something I will probably never forget about high school,” said Sheehy, who scored nine points in the 52-50 win over the Wolverines.

Prior to the start of the game, the team honored their six seniors: Guards Joe Turner, Yousef Samey, Jon Williams and  Sheehy; and forwards Evan Griffin and Donnie McQueen. The team then played five seniors in the starting lineup.

After falling behind by 18 points in the first quarter, the Atoms pulled within 10 at halftime, 30-20. The second half was a different story for AHS though, as they steadily cut the deficit until they pulled even at 46 on a short jump shot by junior Karl Ziegler.

After trading baskets, Sheehy was fouled on a shot and sent to the free throw line with about a minute left in the game. He sank both free throws to give the Atoms the lead, 50-48. After West Potomac scored on their next possession, the Atoms held the ball for the last shot. With two seconds left on the clock, AHS worked the ball around to Sheehy who’s 15-foot jump shot hit the front of the rim and trickled in.

“[The shot] was pure beauty that words really can’t describe,” said junior Nathan Miller. “It was heroic.”

The team was led by Ziegler’s 15 points and 12 points from fellow junior D’Angelo Boyce.

For more information on AHS sports, visit www.annandaleatoms.com.