Derryfield’s Andy Warren (No. 34) alters high-scoring Mount Zion guard John Wallace’s shot in the fourth quarter of the teams’ match-up on Friday, Jan. 7. Though Warren and DS won this battle – the shot missed – Wallace and his mates ultimately prevailed at the SportsZone in Derry. (Jerry Liptak Photo)

Junior John Wallace sank four key free throws in the last two minutes of the game, helping Mount Zion hang on for a 46-38 win over the Derryfield School on Friday, Jan. 7, at the SportsZone in Derry.

Wallace led the Lions, 3-2, with 15 points, while senior Kanon LaCroix netted 12 and defended his younger brother, sophomore Christian LaCroix, one of the leading scorers in Class S this year.

The Lions held Christian LaCroix to 15 points, far below his season’s average. Andy Warren led the Cougars, 2-4, with 16 points and played strong defense under the basket.

Jacob Brooks added nine points to the winners’cause.

The halftime festivities included a gift-certificate giveaway opportunity for spectators who could accurately shoot free throws and three-pointers, as well as Mount Zion’s Blue Man Group-like “garbage can” student band, who used buckets, cans and even an empty propane container to keep the beat.

DS will host Mt. Zion on Feb. 18.

Derryfield was without the services of senior Ryan Audley. The 6-foot-4 center is out for the year with a knee injury.

The Lions briefly welcomed back senior tri-captain Jim Wallace, who had missed four games with an ankle injury. He reinjured it in the third quarter.