Jackson Leroy’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Section to AHSAA Class 2A Finals

Section Upsets Providence Christian in Thrilling Semifinal

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A last-second three-pointer from senior Jackson Leroy secured a dramatic 61-58 victory for Section High School over defending state champion Providence Christian in the AHSAA Class 2A boys’ state semifinals Monday night. The clutch shot, Leroy’s first successful three-pointer of the game, ended the Eagles’ championship defense and propelled the Lions into the state final.

The game, held at Legacy Arena, was a highlight of the 106th AHSAA State Basketball Tournament. It featured a back-and-forth battle where neither team established a double-digit lead. Section now advances to face LaFayette for the Class 2A state championship on Friday.

A Tightly Contested Battle

Providence Christian entered the game as the No. 2 ranked team and defending champion, but Section showed resilience from the start. The Eagles built an early lead, at one point going up by eight, largely thanks to their effective three-point shooting. They connected on 7 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half alone.

Despite the Eagles’ hot start, Section hung close, eventually erasing a seven-point halftime deficit to tie the game at 40-40 in the third quarter. The lead changed hands multiple times down the stretch, setting the stage for a tense final minute.

The Final Moments

The fourth quarter was a showcase of clutch performances. Section’s sophomore guard, Jacob Cloud, scored 10 consecutive points to give the Lions a 54-48 advantage. However, Providence Christian responded with a 10-4 run, capped by a three-point play from Logan Hagler, to take a 58-56 lead with just over a minute remaining.

With 47.5 seconds left on the clock, Section’s Jackson Cooper was fouled and calmly made two free throws, tying the score at 58-58. On the subsequent possession, Jackson Leroy came up with a crucial steal, giving the Lions a chance to hold for the final shot.

Section called a timeout with 27.9 seconds to go. Coach Derek Wynn instructed his team to work the clock for one high-quality look. As the seconds ticked away, Cooper drove into the lane from the right wing, drawing the defense. He then passed to an open Leroy in the left corner. Having missed his first four three-point attempts, Leroy shot with confidence, sinking the game-winning basket with only 2.6 seconds left.

Providence Christian called a final timeout to set up a desperation play, but they were unable to get a shot off before the buzzer sounded, sealing the win for Section.

Key Performances

Jacob Cloud led all scorers for Section (24-10) with an impressive 25 points. Brodie Overdear was another key contributor, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds. Jackson Cooper added eight points, including the two critical free throws that tied the game. Leroy, the hero of the night, finished with five points.

For Providence Christian (30-6), Pearce Boone, the previous year’s tournament MVP, delivered a strong performance with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He was highly efficient, shooting 8-for-10 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. EB Joye and Logan Hagler each scored eight points for the Eagles.

“It was a great high school basketball game,” said Providence Christian coach Mark Wright. “Both teams played so hard. It was back-and-forth all night.”

An Unlikely Hero’s Journey

Jackson Leroy’s game-winning shot was a moment of redemption after a tough shooting night. “I hadn’t hit a shot up to that point, at least not a 3-pointer,” Leroy said. “Just shoot the next shot. I’m just thankful.”

Coach Wynn praised his player’s persistence. “One thing about Section, you shoot the next shot whether you are making them or not,” Wynn explained. “They are taught that in third grade. We shoot the basketball. The ball found him.”

The victory was a testament to the team’s belief and determination. After the game, Wynn noted the difference between this team and the 2022 championship squad. “I think the difference is no one expected the 2022 team to be here,” he said. “Everyone expected these guys to be here. That pressure is tough. These guys took it in stride.”

Road to the Blue Map

With the semifinal victory, Section High School advances to the Class 2A state championship game. They will face No. 8 LaFayette, who also won their semifinal matchup on a last-second shot. Section will be playing for its fourth state title in program history, having previously won in 1969, 2003, and 2022.

The championship game is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on Friday, March 6, at Legacy Arena.

FEATURED IMAGE: Providence Christian’s Pearce Boone (12) scores on a fall-away shot and finished with team high 22 points in the 2A Semifinals. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)