Lyons’ run toward a third state title ended in heartbreaking fashion Saturday afternoon.
Jackson Crisman hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to lift Cooperstown to a 66-64 victory over the Lions in the Class C state semifinal at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.
The loss came just moments after Lyons appeared poised to advance. Stephen LeBrecht drilled a corner three-pointer with eight seconds left and completed a four-point play to give the Lions a 64-63 lead.
With fouls to give, Lyons stopped the clock twice before Cooperstown used a timeout to set up its final possession. On the ensuing inbounds play, Crisman faked a pass twice, then rose up and buried the game-winning shot.
The Lions battled throughout a back-and-forth contest that featured multiple momentum swings. Lyons trailed 16-12 after the first quarter but responded with an 8-0 run in the second quarter and led late in the half before Cooperstown took a 28-27 edge into the break on a three-pointer.
The Lions came out strong after halftime, opening the third quarter on a 7-0 run to regain the lead. Lyons continued to answer every Cooperstown push and carried a 43-41 advantage into the fourth.
In the final period, neither team could create separation. Cooperstown used a 6-1 run to move in front midway through the quarter, but Lyons responded, tying the game multiple times before LeBrecht’s go-ahead four-point play in the closing seconds.
Jamire Johnson led Lyons with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while LeBrecht added 13. Kayvon Butler and Contrell Parker Jr. each scored 12, and Jah’Zyree Smith chipped in nine.
Cooperstown was paced by Miles Nelen, who scored a game-high 26 points. Crisman finished with 16, including the game-winner, and added 10 rebounds, while Brody Murdock contributed 12.
Lyons, despite falling short of its state title aspirations, finished the season 24-3 and captured its 23rd sectional title.
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fingerlakes1 is on MixlrWOW!! Cooperstown’s Jackson Crisman hits a last-second shot to send his team to the @NYSPHSAA Class C Championship Game. An incredible finish. @espn #SCTop10 @NFHS_Org pic.twitter.com/SZ9o7qikea
— Dr. Robert Zayas (@RobertZayasNY) March 21, 2026
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.