Lyons boys basketball moves on to state semis, aims for first title in four decades

BUFFALO — JJ Johnson and his Lyons teammates waved goodbye to Randolph and its fan section after the Lions won a long-awaited rematch against the reigning state champion boys basketball team.

Clinching a berth into the state semifinals for the first time in almost 10 years wasn't easy. Lyons' largest lead was 20 points during a 61-49 win over Randolph's Cardinals in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class C Far West Regional Friday night at Buffalo State University's Sports Arena. The Lions only held a two-point halftime lead as they tried to pry the 6-foot-6 Johnson loose from triple teams as he towered over the Section VI champions' roster.

Lyons lost its three top scorers to graduation after falling to Randolph in the 2023 region finals. Apparently, there was doubt that the perennial Section V champions could bounce back. Now the Lions have a shot at capturing a state title for the first time in four decades.

"No one thought we were going to be any good. Even in Lyons," Lyons coach Dean Schott II said. "From the first day of practice I said, 'Guys, don't listen to the noise, we're going to win a state championship.' And wow have they bought in."

What it means for Lyons

Lyons coach Dean Schott II's Lions (22-3) will take their 13-game winning streak into the NYSPHSAA Class C semifinals next weekend at Glens Falls' Cool Insuring Arena. The Lions last made a state final four appearance when they lost to Section III Waterville in 2015 final four. Coach Schott II played for his father's team that won the program's only state title in 1989 on their way to a federation championship.

Randolph coach Kevin Hind's Cardinals season ended at 21-3. Hind won his 400th career game this year. Nelson Griffin scored a team high 12 points on four 3s. Drew Hind, who averages over 21 points, was limited to 11.

Play of the game

Pick a Lyons buzzer beater. Williams nailed a 3-pointer at the end of the second quarter to take 24-22 lead into halftime. Morris, who Randolph coaches screamed from the bench "He can't shoot!" in the first half, made a straight away 30-foot 3-pointer as time expired in the third as the Lions' extended their lead to 46-33.

Player of the game

JJ Johnson

Lyons' 6-foot-6 sophomore center is coming into his own as the focal point of Schott II's offense. He scored 11 of his game high 21 points in the fourth to put the game away. Johnson was double teamed from the tip. Randolph's Griffin Nelson face guarded Johnson with Drew Hind helping on the backend.

"As soon as we lost (in the 2023 region final), I told them 'We'll see them again next year.' That's exactly what happened. We came out here and beat them. I feel like if we keep putting in work more, I think we can win it all this year," Johnson said.

When Johnson touched the ball, the Cardinals' entire defense collapsed on him with force and physicality. But Johnson could not be contained once Lyons began throwing lob passes to the block that only the lengthy center could grab in the second half.

"I want everyone to know that JJ gets fouled more than anyone in New York State," Schott II said. "Every single trip down, everyone has their hands around him and holding him. It's not fair but that's the way it is. How tough is that kid to live with that?"

Game balls

Stephen LeBrecht

Lyons' sophomore was the main beneficiary of Johnson's triple teams. LeBrecht scored all 10 of his points in the third quarter. He made two 3s in the frame as Lions' passing were more crisp and pronounced. Dez Bell and Devyn Williams also scored 10 points each. Morris added nine. Senior point guard Mikey Briggs didn't score but the senior point guard ran the offense to perfection in the second half.

What's next

Lyons will play either Section IV Moravia or Section III's Waterville in the NYSPHSAA Class C semifinals at 8:45 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Glens Falls' Cool Insuring Arena.

This story will be updated.

— Marquel Slaughter is a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle, specializing in high school sports. He has been reporter for 14 years. Follow him @MarquelSports on X or on Instagram. You can contact him at mslaughter1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Lyons vs Randolph boys basketball score: Top plays, player of the game