Putnam City's Dominique Raney drains the big shot -- again

Dominique Raney was watching from the corner of the court, hoping teammate Ron’Quis Lewis could finish off Putnam City’s double-digit comeback with a game-winning shot.

But as Lewis drove into the lane, the ball was knocked away, and somehow found its way to Raney, who picked it up and swished the game-winning 3-pointer in a 52-50 victory at Mustang. Not only is Raney one of the state’s top recruits in the 2011 class, he’s been one of the most clutch players the last couple seasons.

Raney had three 3-pointers on the night and finished with 21 points. Lewis had a silent first half, but came alive for all seven of his points and some key rebounds and blocks in the second half. David Bush had 10 points off the bench.

Ben Berry led Mustang with 19 points, playing strong around the rim and knocking down a couple jumpers, too. Zac Grismer had 11 for the Broncos, who fell to 15-3, but should still earn a host berth as a top-four seed for the playoffs. Those seedings will be announced later this week.

Last-second drama aside, this was a huge win for the Pirates, who had fallen to No. 16 in last week’s rankings. The improved to 8-10 with the win in what has been a rocky season with several freshmen and sophomores not only getting major minutes, but starting.

They just needed something positive to happen to maybe spark a turnaround after a five-game losing streak. This team went through a rough patch — not this rough, by any means — last season, and got hot right about now to run to the 6A title. I’m not saying this team is heading for the gold ball, but if they put things together, they’re as talented as anyone out there.

Mustang simply needs to let this one go, and be ready for the rivalry game against Yukon on Tuesday. The Millers have the talent to beat them if they have any type of emotional hangover from this one.

In the girls game, Putnam City’s LaShawn Jones scored 30 points through the first three quarters, but Mustang won the game in the fourth by shutting out the OSU signee and outscoring the Pirates 15-7.

Four Mustang girls reached double-figures in the 69-61 victory, and the Broncos needed the win, having lost eight of the last 10 coming into Monday night.