LeBron Shares Bryce James’ Highlights with Drake’s “Gimme A Hug”
Bryce James Shines as Sierra Canyon Clinches CIF Division I State Championship
Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
LeBron James has re-examined his son Bryce James’ basketball ability with an electrifying highlight reel of him in action, which is accompanied by Drake’s ‘Gimme A Hug‘.
A Hard-Fought Battle Ends in Victory for Sierra Canyon
Sierra Canyon and Lincoln (Stockton)’s game on Friday night was a test of perseverance. Both teams fought fiercely on both sides of the court. Sierra Canyon triumphed 58-53 thanks to defensive intensity and a late-game rally.
Lincoln made an impressive start, taking a 27-23 lead into halftime. The Trojans kept their lead with a touchdown in the first quarter, but Sierra Canyon’s offense roared to life.
Gavin Hightower was the leader, scoring 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in an impressive 5-6 shooting performance. Early on, he displayed his dominance by scoring 10 of Sierra Canyon’s first 13 points while his teammates struggled from the field.
Bryce Cofield scored 11 points and had eight rebounds, and Maximo Adams (14 points, eight rebounds) and Stephen Kankole (10 points) were instrumental in the second half.
A Third-Quarter Offensive Explosion
Bryce James’ crucial play in the third quarter tied the game at 29-29 with just 5:21 left. Thanks to a decisive free throw from Hightower, Sierra Canyon took a 32-31 lead shortly after. Donez Lindsey’s three deep, contested three-pointers in the third quarter put Lincoln up 47-44 and the game into an electrifying shootout. With each shot, the crowd erupted, increasing the game’s intensity.
Clutch Plays Secure Sierra Canyon’s Title
In the fourth quarter, both teams struggled to find an offensive rhythm, resulting in a return to defensive battle mode. Lincoln’s Jagger Merolla made a free throw to give his team a 50-47 lead with 3:02 left, but Sierra Canyon took a 51-50 lead with a three-pointer from Adams in the final minute.
After Weber State commit Anthony Moore tied the game at 51-51 with a free throw, Bryce Cofield delivered in the clutch. Sierra Canyon was up 53-51 after his side-stepping layup with 1:02 left. Hightower’s breakdown of Lincoln’s defense and Adams’ powerful and-one layup was the game’s defining moment, occurring just 45 seconds later.
Moore kept his team in the game with a spinning mid-range jumper to cut the deficit to 56-53 with 8.8 seconds left as Lincoln trailed 56-51. Sierra Canyon fought back, and Adams’ clutch free throws sealed the victory with a 58-53 championship victory.
Bryce James’ Final High School Game: A Reflection
Despite finishing with three points, five rebounds, and two assists, Bryce James’ impact was more than just a score. Despite his shooting shortcomings (1-9 FG, 0-5 3FG), he achieved a game-high plus-seven rating, demonstrating his ability to impact the game through defensive play and off-ball movement. Bryce James’ high school career ended with this championship, ending a chapter full of growth, development, and national attention. The son of an NBA legend will be the focus as he prepares for the next stage of his basketball journey at Arizona.
The Legacy of Sierra Canyon’s Basketball Program
Sierra Canyon’s high school basketball dynasty has been built, and this championship win strengthens its reputation. After six years where both Bronny and Bryce James were active, the Trailblazers finally won their fourth boys’ basketball state title, and it was their first in six years. The team had a chance to win the state championship before the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from winning a CIF Open Division Southern Region title in 2020. This latest victory, therefore, serves as a long-awaited redemption for the program.
“He definitely should’ve had one in COVID,” Bryce said. “I’d still say it’s 1-1.”
