AHOSKIE – It’s the tale of two shots.

One went in and one didn’t.

When Hertford County visited Wilson’s James B. Hunt High School in the opening game of the 2008-09 campaign, sophomore Dontez Tyler hit a game-winning shot with 10 ticks left on the clock as the Bears beat the Warriors 54-53.

In Hunt’s return visit to Ahoskie Tuesday, Michael Morris got off a shot just in time, but this one didn’t fall as Hunt claimed a 59-58 win.

“I was pleased with our effort,” HCHS basketball boss Charles Simmons said. “Michael got off a good last-second shot, it just didn’t go in.

“We have to do a better job at the free throw line,” he added. “And we’re still looking for someone to take charge at the end of games.”

The Bears entered the fourth quarter clinging to a two-point edge (45-43), but quickly pushed their advantage to six (49-43) on back-to-back hoops by Tyler.

Hunt responded with a pair of free throws from Tyrell Vinson and a hoop by Damont Williams to get back within two.

The advantage stayed there until the three minute mark when Brandon Ward tied the game at 54-all.

HCHS took the lead back when Petey Boone buried a triple, but Vinson responded with a three-pointer at the other end to leave the game tied.

Hunt took the lead on free throws from Vinson and Williams, going ahead 59-57 with 18 seconds to play.

Jordan Jones hit 1-of-2 from the line with 12 seconds to play to get the Bears within one and set up the last-second attempt.

Hertford County led 16-12 after the first period and held a 31-26 advantage at the intermission.

Vinson led the visitor’s attack with 17 points while Williams pitched in 11 and Chris Woodard added nine. Rounding out the scoring for the Warriors were Ahmad Young (7), Jordan White (7), Jamile Creech (4) and Ward (4).

Hertford County had two players in double digits with Boone scoring 15 points and Jones adding 13. Morris contributed nine in the loss while Tyler had eight, Ivan Coulton seven and Antonio Vaughan six.

The Bears dropped to 7-4 overall this season. They will be back in league play Friday night when they travel to Elizabeth City to meet Pasquotank County High School.