Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete Of Month: Grady Farrell Executes Perfect Shot to Win CM Basketball Game

BETHALTO - Civic Memorial head boys basketball coach Lee Green described Grady Farrell's half-court launch for the 57-55 win over Highland on Monday night, Dec. 22, 2025, as "a moment Grady and his family and teammates will remember for the rest of their lives."

Grady's shot was from about 50 feet from the basket at the buzzer and was a literal buzzer-beater for CM.

For his heroic effort, Grady is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month.

Coach Green knew his squad had one play to make, and Grady was tossed the ball at half court for the final points. Green said the basket by Farrell had nothing but net when it entered the rim. In a timeout, he told them he thought Grady would get a clean shot at the end of the game to possibly capture the battle with rival Highland.

"Sometimes in that life-or-death situation in a game, the team goes harder and Farrell made a great play," Coach Green said. "I was so glad we found a way to win that game in overtime."