On Friday night, the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento became the stage for a historic moment in California high school basketball. Bryce James, the 17-year-old younger son of NBA superstar LeBron James, emerged as the hero of the Division I State Championship final, sinking a game-winning basket with just 17 seconds remaining to secure a 58-53 victory for Sierra Canyon over Lincoln High of Stockton. The shot, which clinched the school’s fourth state title, sent the crowd into a frenzy and brought visible emotion to LeBron, who watched from the stands after traveling to support his son. The game marked the end of Bryce’s high school career with Sierra Canyon, as he prepares to join the Arizona Wildcats next season. Displaying poise and talent under pressure, the young athlete proved he carries not only a famous last name but also the ability to shine in critical moments, carving out his own legacy in the American youth basketball scene.
LeBron James’ presence in the arena added an extra layer of significance to the event. Sidelined from the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets due to a groin injury, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer made the trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento right after his physiotherapy session. His reaction to the decisive shot—raising his fists and nearly rushing the court in excitement—quickly spread online, showcasing the pride of a father witnessing his son’s championship-defining moment. The Sierra Canyon victory, achieved by a program known for attracting elite talent, underscores the school’s storied tradition in basketball and highlights Bryce’s impact in his final season with the Trailblazers.
The game itself was a hard-fought battle, with Lincoln holding the lead for much of the contest. Sierra Canyon mounted an impressive comeback in the third quarter, driven by stout defense and key contributions from Gavin Hightower and Maximo Adams, who finished with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Though Bryce scored only three points overall, his clutch basket in the closing moments proved to be the difference, capping his high school tenure on a triumphant note.
LeBron is loving it after an And 1 bucket to put Sierra Canyon up 5 with 17 seconds left in the game. pic.twitter.com/0fQUo50Ypf
— West Coast Preps (@westcoastpreps_) March 15, 2025
LeBron James cheers son from the stands
Unable to play in the Lakers’ matchup against the Nuggets, LeBron James chose family over team duties and traveled to Sacramento for the state final. Arriving at the Golden 1 Center just after the second quarter, he was greeted with applause from fans who appreciated his dedication as a father. Throughout the game, LeBron remained fully engaged, but it was Bryce’s game-winner that sparked his most animated response, blending relief, joy, and pride in a scene that resonated widely.
After the final buzzer, LeBron joined Bryce on the court for a heartfelt celebration, embracing his son amid the victorious Sierra Canyon squad. The moment, captured in photographs, flooded social media, offering a glimpse into the personal side of a basketball icon whose career is filled with accolades but who found a unique thrill in his son’s achievement.
Sierra Canyon edges Lincoln in tight contest
The showdown between Sierra Canyon and Lincoln tested both teams’ resolve. Lincoln took an early lead, closing the first half ahead at 27-23, thanks to strong performances from Jalen Moore and Ryan Lindsey, who each tallied 18 points with effective long-range shooting. Sierra Canyon turned the tide in the second half, tightening their defense and restricting Lincoln to just 26 points across the final two quarters, setting the stage for their comeback.
Bryce James, though not the night’s top scorer, displayed maturity by holding the ball in the waning seconds and delivering the shot that sealed the win. Teammates Gavin Hightower, who also grabbed nine rebounds, and Maximo Adams, with eight rebounds, provided critical support to keep Sierra Canyon in contention until the end. The 58-53 scoreline reflected the grit of a team that rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Bryce James’ journey with Sierra Canyon
Bryce James leaves Sierra Canyon as one of its standout figures in recent years. Since joining the team, he has faced the weight of the James name but steadily carved out his own path. Known for his sharpshooting, Bryce had memorable outings this season, including a 15-point performance with five three-pointers in a 73-48 rout of Centennial during the state tournament’s first round.
Over his time with the Trailblazers, Bryce grew into a versatile player, improving both offensively and defensively. In earlier playoff games, such as the 74-68 regional final win over Redondo Union, he embraced a team-first role, deferring to Hightower and Adams. Against Lincoln, however, his composure in the final seconds showcased his readiness for bigger stages, like the one awaiting him with the Arizona Wildcats.
Sierra Canyon, a breeding ground for talent like Bryce’s older brother Bronny James and NBA alum Marvin Bagley III, continues to cement its status as a high school basketball powerhouse. With four state championships, the Chatsworth-based school’s legacy grows stronger, bolstered by yet another title tied to the James family.
California State Championship timeline
Sierra Canyon’s road to the title featured a series of grueling matchups in March. Here’s a breakdown of their key games in the Division I bracket:
- March 5: defeated Centennial 73-48, with Bryce James scoring 15 points;
- March 11: beat Redondo Union 74-68 in the regional final;
- March 14: topped Lincoln 58-53 in the state final, clinched by Bryce’s heroics.
Organized by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the tournament showcased the state’s top teams, with Sierra Canyon overcoming stiff competition at every turn. The championship win at the Golden 1 Center capped a season of resilience and skill under coach Andre Chevalier.
Bryce James’ next chapter with Arizona Wildcats
Bryce James’ game-winning shot was more than a highlight—it was a defining moment signaling his potential as he heads to the Arizona Wildcats. Committed to the program since January, the 17-year-old enters college as a three-star prospect and the 47th-ranked shooting guard nationally. Under coach Tommy Lloyd, known for developing well-rounded players, Bryce has an opportunity to refine his game further.
His performance in the state final raises anticipation for his NCAA debut. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a knack for three-point shooting and clutch play, Bryce brings a skill set that could shine in college basketball. LeBron’s support from the stands underscores the family backing he’ll carry into this next phase.
Fans and teammates celebrate the triumph
Sierra Canyon’s victory sparked an electric response from the Golden 1 Center crowd, who erupted as Bryce’s shot dropped through the net. The moment dominated online chatter, with fans praising his cool-headedness in a high-stakes situation. Social media buzzed with clips of LeBron’s reaction, amplifying the story’s reach.
Teammates also hailed the win. Gavin Hightower credited the team’s unity, while Maximo Adams, set to lead Sierra Canyon next season, lauded Bryce’s final contribution. The blend of on-court success and off-court emotion made the night unforgettable for players and supporters alike.
Sierra Canyon’s enduring basketball legacy
Securing another state title, Sierra Canyon reinforces its reputation as a dominant force in U.S. high school basketball. The program, which has produced NBA stars and college standouts, thrives on a winning culture that gained further prominence with Bronny James’ arrival in 2019. That spotlight has only intensified with Bryce’s exploits.
The 2025 championship, earned through a season of close contests and tough opponents, reflects coach Andre Chevalier’s emphasis on teamwork and preparation. For Bryce James, it’s a fitting farewell to a program that shaped his growth, while Sierra Canyon remains a launchpad for basketball’s next generation.

On Friday night, the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento became the stage for a historic moment in California high school basketball. Bryce James, the 17-year-old younger son of NBA superstar LeBron James, emerged as the hero of the Division I State Championship final, sinking a game-winning basket with just 17 seconds remaining to secure a 58-53 victory for Sierra Canyon over Lincoln High of Stockton. The shot, which clinched the school’s fourth state title, sent the crowd into a frenzy and brought visible emotion to LeBron, who watched from the stands after traveling to support his son. The game marked the end of Bryce’s high school career with Sierra Canyon, as he prepares to join the Arizona Wildcats next season. Displaying poise and talent under pressure, the young athlete proved he carries not only a famous last name but also the ability to shine in critical moments, carving out his own legacy in the American youth basketball scene.
LeBron James’ presence in the arena added an extra layer of significance to the event. Sidelined from the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Denver Nuggets due to a groin injury, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer made the trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento right after his physiotherapy session. His reaction to the decisive shot—raising his fists and nearly rushing the court in excitement—quickly spread online, showcasing the pride of a father witnessing his son’s championship-defining moment. The Sierra Canyon victory, achieved by a program known for attracting elite talent, underscores the school’s storied tradition in basketball and highlights Bryce’s impact in his final season with the Trailblazers.
The game itself was a hard-fought battle, with Lincoln holding the lead for much of the contest. Sierra Canyon mounted an impressive comeback in the third quarter, driven by stout defense and key contributions from Gavin Hightower and Maximo Adams, who finished with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Though Bryce scored only three points overall, his clutch basket in the closing moments proved to be the difference, capping his high school tenure on a triumphant note.
LeBron is loving it after an And 1 bucket to put Sierra Canyon up 5 with 17 seconds left in the game. pic.twitter.com/0fQUo50Ypf
— West Coast Preps (@westcoastpreps_) March 15, 2025
LeBron James cheers son from the stands
Unable to play in the Lakers’ matchup against the Nuggets, LeBron James chose family over team duties and traveled to Sacramento for the state final. Arriving at the Golden 1 Center just after the second quarter, he was greeted with applause from fans who appreciated his dedication as a father. Throughout the game, LeBron remained fully engaged, but it was Bryce’s game-winner that sparked his most animated response, blending relief, joy, and pride in a scene that resonated widely.
After the final buzzer, LeBron joined Bryce on the court for a heartfelt celebration, embracing his son amid the victorious Sierra Canyon squad. The moment, captured in photographs, flooded social media, offering a glimpse into the personal side of a basketball icon whose career is filled with accolades but who found a unique thrill in his son’s achievement.
Sierra Canyon edges Lincoln in tight contest
The showdown between Sierra Canyon and Lincoln tested both teams’ resolve. Lincoln took an early lead, closing the first half ahead at 27-23, thanks to strong performances from Jalen Moore and Ryan Lindsey, who each tallied 18 points with effective long-range shooting. Sierra Canyon turned the tide in the second half, tightening their defense and restricting Lincoln to just 26 points across the final two quarters, setting the stage for their comeback.
Bryce James, though not the night’s top scorer, displayed maturity by holding the ball in the waning seconds and delivering the shot that sealed the win. Teammates Gavin Hightower, who also grabbed nine rebounds, and Maximo Adams, with eight rebounds, provided critical support to keep Sierra Canyon in contention until the end. The 58-53 scoreline reflected the grit of a team that rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Bryce James’ journey with Sierra Canyon
Bryce James leaves Sierra Canyon as one of its standout figures in recent years. Since joining the team, he has faced the weight of the James name but steadily carved out his own path. Known for his sharpshooting, Bryce had memorable outings this season, including a 15-point performance with five three-pointers in a 73-48 rout of Centennial during the state tournament’s first round.
Over his time with the Trailblazers, Bryce grew into a versatile player, improving both offensively and defensively. In earlier playoff games, such as the 74-68 regional final win over Redondo Union, he embraced a team-first role, deferring to Hightower and Adams. Against Lincoln, however, his composure in the final seconds showcased his readiness for bigger stages, like the one awaiting him with the Arizona Wildcats.
Sierra Canyon, a breeding ground for talent like Bryce’s older brother Bronny James and NBA alum Marvin Bagley III, continues to cement its status as a high school basketball powerhouse. With four state championships, the Chatsworth-based school’s legacy grows stronger, bolstered by yet another title tied to the James family.
California State Championship timeline
Sierra Canyon’s road to the title featured a series of grueling matchups in March. Here’s a breakdown of their key games in the Division I bracket:
- March 5: defeated Centennial 73-48, with Bryce James scoring 15 points;
- March 11: beat Redondo Union 74-68 in the regional final;
- March 14: topped Lincoln 58-53 in the state final, clinched by Bryce’s heroics.
Organized by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the tournament showcased the state’s top teams, with Sierra Canyon overcoming stiff competition at every turn. The championship win at the Golden 1 Center capped a season of resilience and skill under coach Andre Chevalier.
Bryce James’ next chapter with Arizona Wildcats
Bryce James’ game-winning shot was more than a highlight—it was a defining moment signaling his potential as he heads to the Arizona Wildcats. Committed to the program since January, the 17-year-old enters college as a three-star prospect and the 47th-ranked shooting guard nationally. Under coach Tommy Lloyd, known for developing well-rounded players, Bryce has an opportunity to refine his game further.
His performance in the state final raises anticipation for his NCAA debut. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a knack for three-point shooting and clutch play, Bryce brings a skill set that could shine in college basketball. LeBron’s support from the stands underscores the family backing he’ll carry into this next phase.
Fans and teammates celebrate the triumph
Sierra Canyon’s victory sparked an electric response from the Golden 1 Center crowd, who erupted as Bryce’s shot dropped through the net. The moment dominated online chatter, with fans praising his cool-headedness in a high-stakes situation. Social media buzzed with clips of LeBron’s reaction, amplifying the story’s reach.
Teammates also hailed the win. Gavin Hightower credited the team’s unity, while Maximo Adams, set to lead Sierra Canyon next season, lauded Bryce’s final contribution. The blend of on-court success and off-court emotion made the night unforgettable for players and supporters alike.
Sierra Canyon’s enduring basketball legacy
Securing another state title, Sierra Canyon reinforces its reputation as a dominant force in U.S. high school basketball. The program, which has produced NBA stars and college standouts, thrives on a winning culture that gained further prominence with Bronny James’ arrival in 2019. That spotlight has only intensified with Bryce’s exploits.
The 2025 championship, earned through a season of close contests and tough opponents, reflects coach Andre Chevalier’s emphasis on teamwork and preparation. For Bryce James, it’s a fitting farewell to a program that shaped his growth, while Sierra Canyon remains a launchpad for basketball’s next generation.
