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Michael Hughes and Matt Lyons experienced the energetic atmosphere of a state semifinal basketball game, and they worked for nearly a year to get back there.
Last season, the duo led the Crusaders to the PIAA Class 2A championship game, where they fell to Aliquippa at the Giant Center. Since, the Crusaders put in the time and effort and it’s paid off as they are in the Class 3A semifinals against District 12 champion West Catholic on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Parkland High School.
“They are an excellent athletic team and outstanding in transition,” Hughes said. “We know that we can match up with them. We have to trust our coaches and trust each other to get a big win.”
Both Hughes and Lyons had memorable state playoffs in 2024 and were at their best in the semifinals. Hughes scored 22 points and drilled four 3-pointers, while Lyons dominated inside and scored 21 points in a 78-66 win over Constitution High School.
That win punched Holy Cross’ ticket to Hershey and a showdown with Aliquippa.
This season, after being forced to move up to Class 3A because of the PIAA competition formula and having transfers, Holy Cross met the challenge.
Despite losing to Riverside in the District 2 Class 3A final, the Crusaders responded with an overtime win over Troy, 72-68, on the road, had a win over Audenried Charter, 58-55, and an overwhelming performance in a 63-52 win over Lancaster Mennonite last week.
“After the loss to Riverside, it was tough on us,” said Hughes, who has scored 52 points in the PIAA three wins. “I think that was a wake-up call for us to get focused on the state playoffs. We had to work every day at practice, and our coaches have pushed us and given us great game plans.
“We are really looking forward to this semifinal game.”
Once again, at 6-foot-6, Lyons’ size has created problems for opponents.
He scored 46 points in three PIAA wins. He joined Hughes in the 1,000-point club in the win over Lancaster Mennonite.
“Playing last year in the state playoffs, we know the expectations and the level at which we have to be,” Lyons said. “We have been in this game before, and we know what to expect. It is going to be loud, and we are going to have a lot of hometown people there supporting us.
“We can’t wait.”
Playing in the third game of a tripleheader at Bethlehem Liberty in the quarterfinal round, the Crusaders had the opportunity to see West Catholic live in its win over Riverside.
Eric Scott scored 12 points, Rahmir Speaks snapped the nets on three 3-pointers, and Xavier Fauntroy had two from beyond the arc in a 55-41 win.
West Catholic defeated Audenried, 73-50, and 65-46, in two meetings this season. The Burrs played a daunting schedule that included losses to Devon Prep (63-55, 64-56), which played in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals against Valley View, a 72-36 loss to Class 6A semifinalist Imhotep Charter, a 71-57 loss to Roman Catholic, and a 79-54 loss to Father Judge, also a Class 6A semifinalist.
“The best thing for us was getting to watch their game,” Holy Cross coach Al Callejas Jr. said. “Watching games on film, you can’t see how fast kids are. That struck us against Aliquippa last season. Seeing West Catholic up close, they are the fastest and most athletic team we have faced. We need to box out, handle their pressure, and hit shots.
“You can shoot quickly, but you have to set your feet. We have to limit turnovers and play intense defense to keep them from making big runs to have a chance.”
Continue reading...
Last season, the duo led the Crusaders to the PIAA Class 2A championship game, where they fell to Aliquippa at the Giant Center. Since, the Crusaders put in the time and effort and it’s paid off as they are in the Class 3A semifinals against District 12 champion West Catholic on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Parkland High School.
“They are an excellent athletic team and outstanding in transition,” Hughes said. “We know that we can match up with them. We have to trust our coaches and trust each other to get a big win.”
Both Hughes and Lyons had memorable state playoffs in 2024 and were at their best in the semifinals. Hughes scored 22 points and drilled four 3-pointers, while Lyons dominated inside and scored 21 points in a 78-66 win over Constitution High School.
That win punched Holy Cross’ ticket to Hershey and a showdown with Aliquippa.
This season, after being forced to move up to Class 3A because of the PIAA competition formula and having transfers, Holy Cross met the challenge.
Despite losing to Riverside in the District 2 Class 3A final, the Crusaders responded with an overtime win over Troy, 72-68, on the road, had a win over Audenried Charter, 58-55, and an overwhelming performance in a 63-52 win over Lancaster Mennonite last week.
“After the loss to Riverside, it was tough on us,” said Hughes, who has scored 52 points in the PIAA three wins. “I think that was a wake-up call for us to get focused on the state playoffs. We had to work every day at practice, and our coaches have pushed us and given us great game plans.
“We are really looking forward to this semifinal game.”
Once again, at 6-foot-6, Lyons’ size has created problems for opponents.
He scored 46 points in three PIAA wins. He joined Hughes in the 1,000-point club in the win over Lancaster Mennonite.
“Playing last year in the state playoffs, we know the expectations and the level at which we have to be,” Lyons said. “We have been in this game before, and we know what to expect. It is going to be loud, and we are going to have a lot of hometown people there supporting us.
“We can’t wait.”
Playing in the third game of a tripleheader at Bethlehem Liberty in the quarterfinal round, the Crusaders had the opportunity to see West Catholic live in its win over Riverside.
Eric Scott scored 12 points, Rahmir Speaks snapped the nets on three 3-pointers, and Xavier Fauntroy had two from beyond the arc in a 55-41 win.
West Catholic defeated Audenried, 73-50, and 65-46, in two meetings this season. The Burrs played a daunting schedule that included losses to Devon Prep (63-55, 64-56), which played in the PIAA Class 4A semifinals against Valley View, a 72-36 loss to Class 6A semifinalist Imhotep Charter, a 71-57 loss to Roman Catholic, and a 79-54 loss to Father Judge, also a Class 6A semifinalist.
“The best thing for us was getting to watch their game,” Holy Cross coach Al Callejas Jr. said. “Watching games on film, you can’t see how fast kids are. That struck us against Aliquippa last season. Seeing West Catholic up close, they are the fastest and most athletic team we have faced. We need to box out, handle their pressure, and hit shots.
“You can shoot quickly, but you have to set your feet. We have to limit turnovers and play intense defense to keep them from making big runs to have a chance.”
Continue reading...
