Ashville Player Hits Game-Winning Shot in Sweet 16

Nate Huckbay's last-second basket lifts Ashville boys basketball team to victory.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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With three starters fouled out and the clock winding down, Nate Huckbay hit a game-winning shot to lift the Ashville boys basketball team to victory in the AHSAA Sweet 16 tournament in Jacksonville.

Why it matters

Huckbay's clutch shot in a high-stakes playoff game will be remembered for years in the Ashville community, showcasing the excitement and drama of high school sports.

The details

With the game tied and just seconds remaining, Huckbay drove to the basket and sank the winning shot as time expired, despite having three of his teammates already disqualified due to fouls.

  • The game-winning shot occurred with 5 seconds left on the clock.

The players

Nate Huckbay

A player on the Ashville boys basketball team who hit the game-winning shot in the final seconds of the AHSAA Sweet 16 tournament game.

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What they’re saying

“I was, its just like playing pickup basketball. I saw the clock was at five and I was bringing it down and I just tired to get my shot. I got it and it went in.”

— Nate Huckbay (The Gadsden Times)

What’s next

Ashville will advance to the next round of the AHSAA Sweet 16 tournament.

The takeaway

Huckbay's heroics in the final seconds showcase the excitement and drama that high school sports can provide, creating a memorable moment for the Ashville community.