Maximo Adams has big fourth quarter as Sierra Canyon defeats Lincoln 58-53 in California Division I championship in 2025.
Maximo Adams Has Big Fourth Quarter as Sierra Canyon Defeats Lincoln 58-53 in California Division I Championship
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the California Division I High School Basketball Championship showcased a thrilling contest between two powerhouse teams—Sierra Canyon High School and Lincoln High School. The game, played at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, concluded with a narrow yet exhilarating 58-53 victory for Sierra Canyon, driven by a spectacular performance from Maximo Adams in the final quarter. The victory marked Sierra Canyon’s fifth state title in the past seven years, further cementing its reputation as one of the premier high school basketball programs in the country.
As the game unfolded, the tension grew thicker with every possession, especially as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter. Lincoln, a team known for its disciplined defense and scoring depth, appeared to be on the verge of capturing the championship. However, Maximo Adams, the 6’8” senior forward for Sierra Canyon, took over in the final frame, scoring 13 of his game-high 24 points and leading his team to a come-from-behind victory. Adams’ performance in the final minutes of the game would become the defining moment of the night, one that would be remembered for years to come by fans and analysts alike.
First Half: Lincoln’s Strong Start Maximo Adams
From the tip-off, both teams came out firing on all cylinders. Sierra Canyon, led by head coach Andre Chevalier, came into the game as the defending state champions and were expected to be the favorites. However, Lincoln High School, under the leadership of head coach Jeremiah L. Watson, was no slouch, and they came into the game with an impressive record of their own. The Lincoln Hornets were determined to prove they could dethrone the top-ranked team in California, and they showed their resolve early.
In the first quarter, Lincoln set the tone with a high-energy defense that smothered Sierra Canyon’s usual offensive flow. Their aggressive full-court press forced multiple turnovers, and junior guard Jaden Thomas, a key player for the Hornets, capitalized on the mistakes. Thomas’s ability to penetrate Sierra Canyon’s defense and create opportunities for himself and his teammates was on full display. By the end of the first quarter, Lincoln had established a 16-12 lead—a significant achievement, as Sierra Canyon had been undefeated in the postseason up to this point.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Lincoln continued to maintain control with a balanced attack. Senior forward Malik Hayes and junior center Antonio Johnson played key roles in the paint, dominating the boards and limiting Sierra Canyon’s second-chance opportunities. For Sierra Canyon, sophomore phenom Isaiah Brown was struggling to find his rhythm early on, and the team seemed to be somewhat out of sync. Nevertheless, Maximo Adams was doing his best to keep Sierra Canyon in the game with some timely baskets. However, Lincoln’s stingy defense held firm, and by halftime, the Hornets led 28-25.
Sierra Canyon’s Struggles and Maximo Adams’ Leadership Maximo Adams
As the teams retreated to their respective locker rooms at halftime, Sierra Canyon found themselves in an unfamiliar position: trailing by three points in a state championship game. Despite their talent and experience, the team had been unable to fully execute their game plan against Lincoln’s intense defensive pressure. Coach Chevalier used the halftime break to regroup his players, reminding them of their championship pedigree and the importance of playing with composure and discipline.
The second half began with both teams locked in a defensive battle, where each possession became increasingly vital. Sierra Canyon was still struggling to find consistent offensive flow, and Lincoln continued to control the pace of the game. However, as the third quarter unfolded, Maximo Adams began to impose his will on the game.
Adams, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, began to show why he is considered one of the top high school prospects in the country. His size, strength, and ability to finish around the rim began to overwhelm Lincoln’s defenders. Midway through the third quarter, Adams scored back-to-back baskets, cutting Lincoln’s lead to just one point. The momentum began to shift in favor of Sierra Canyon, but Lincoln was not backing down. The Hornets responded with a strong performance from Jaden Thomas, who knocked down a crucial three-pointer to extend Lincoln’s lead back to five points.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the score was tied at 41-41. Both teams had fought valiantly, and the championship was now a 12-minute battle for the title. Sierra Canyon had weathered Lincoln’s storm and was now ready for the final push. What happened next would be a testament to Maximo Adams’ ability to perform under pressure.
Maximo Adams’ Fourth-Quarter Heroics Maximo Adams
As the fourth quarter began, the tension in the arena was palpable. With the score tied and both teams on the edge of their seats, the game seemed destined to come down to the final few minutes. That’s when Maximo Adams took control.
Adams’ dominance started with a quick turnaround jumper in the paint to give Sierra Canyon its first lead of the second half. He followed it up with a hard-earned offensive rebound and a put-back dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. His efforts energized not just his teammates but the entire Sierra Canyon fanbase, who had been waiting for their star player to make a statement.
With just over five minutes remaining, Sierra Canyon’s defense tightened up, forcing Lincoln into difficult shots. On the other end of the floor, Adams continued to be a force, knocking down mid-range jumpers, finishing at the rim, and drawing fouls. His ability to score efficiently and create space for himself in critical moments made all the difference.
As the game entered its final two minutes, the Hornets had no answer for Adams’ aggressive play. Sierra Canyon now led 54-49. With every basket Adams scored, the clock ticked away, and Lincoln’s hopes of a late-game comeback started to fade. Jaden Thomas, who had been so effective for Lincoln earlier in the game, struggled to get good looks, and the Hornets’ shooting percentage plummeted in the final moments. Sierra Canyon’s defense, led by Adams’ relentless effort, closed out the game in style.
In the final 30 seconds, Adams calmly sank two free throws to seal the victory, making it a 58-53 game. The crowd erupted as Sierra Canyon players rushed to hug their coach and teammates. Maximo Adams, who finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and several key defensive stops, was named California Division I State Championship MVP for his dominant performance in the second half.
Post-Game Reactions Maximo Adams
After the game, a jubilant Maximo Adams spoke to the media, praising his teammates and acknowledging the hard work and support from his coaches. “This win means a lot to me and to this team,” Adams said. “We’ve worked so hard all season, and to come through in a game like this, especially with everything on the line, it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
Sierra Canyon head coach Andre Chevalier also expressed his pride in the team’s resilience. “Maximo was incredible down the stretch, but I can’t say enough about how everyone contributed. Lincoln played a fantastic game, and they made us earn every point. But we stayed composed, and when it mattered most, we made the plays we needed to make,” Chevalier said.
On the other side, Lincoln coach Jeremiah L. Watson congratulated his players for their effort but also recognized the difficulty of facing such a talented Sierra Canyon team. “I’m proud of the way our guys played,” Watson said. “We battled hard, but Sierra Canyon showed why they are one of the best. Maximo Adams took over when they needed him most, and that was the difference.”
Looking Ahead
For Sierra Canyon, this victory added another state championship to its illustrious history. The team continues to be a factory of talent, and with players like Maximo Adams and others, it is no surprise that they remain one of the top high school programs in the nation.
For Maximo Adams, this victory represents a crowning achievement in his high school career. His performance on the biggest stage of high school basketball in California has solidified his status as one of the top prospects in the country. As he prepares for college basketball and beyond, his standout moments in this championship game will be etched into the minds of fans for years to come.
In the end, it was the fourth-quarter heroics of Maximo Adams that propelled Sierra Canyon to a 58-53 victory over Lincoln, securing yet another California Division I Championship and leaving fans with an unforgettable memory of a spectacular individual performance in a thrilling championship game.
