It was a night to cherish at the Golden 1 Center on March 14, 2025, as NBA superstar LeBron James and celebrity Kimora Lee Simmons looked on with pride as their sons played pivotal roles in securing the CIF State Division I basketball championship. The game saw the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers triumph over the Lincoln Trojans with a heart-stopping score of 58-53, drawing 8,396 fans—a crowd among the largest seen at the arena this season.
LeBron, accompanied by his wife Savannah and their daughter Zhuri, was not just there to represent the NBA but to be the proud father of Bryce James, who made headlines well before the championship as he played his final high school game. Though he started off slowly, finishing with three points, he displayed significant defensive tenacity and off-ball movement. His efforts culminated as Sierra Canyon secured the coveted title, marking their fourth boys’ basketball state championship and the first since 2019.
Aside from Bryce, Gavin Hightower was the standout player of the night, showcasing his skill with 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, all of which proved instrumental to the victory. Hightower came out firing and scored 10 of the team’s first 13 points, helping to keep the score competitive.
Sierra Canyon faced tough opposition from the Lincoln Trojans, who managed to take the lead at halftime, boasting a 27-23 score. Lincoln’s Donez Lindsey made waves with his skillful three-point shooting, at one point putting the Trojans up 47-44. Tensions were palpable as the fans cheered for both teams, equally invested as the game’s outcome hung on the final minutes.
The game swung back and forth, introducing dramatic moments etched forever in the memory of those watching. With just over three minutes left and the Trailblazers trailing, they executed a rejuvenated performance, surging on a 9-1 run to clinch the win. Bryce Cofield made notable contributions as he finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, with Maximo Adams also entering the spotlight with 14 points and eight rebounds. Their efforts solidified the team’s remarkable comeback win.
Kimora Lee Simmons shared her sheer elation on social media with her own son Kenzo Lee Hounsou playing at Sierra Canyon as well, cheerfully declaring, "State Champs! Great job @sierracanyonboysbasketball and @kenzoklh! I’m so proud of you! Hard work pays off! Esp you Kenzo! This is your 1st ring AND as a Freshman!" Her pride mirrored LeBron’s as he witnessed his youngest son’s growth and success on such a grand stage.
This championship win signals more than just another title for the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers; it symbolizes the end of the so-called "James Era" for the school—an era marked by the historic presence of both Bronny and Bryce James on the court. Bronny's tenure, marred by injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, meant he faced challenges before transitioning to play for the USC Trojans—the next step in his basketball career.
The culmination of Bryce's high school basketball career at Sierra Canyon is bittersweet yet enlightening. Transitioning to the University of Arizona means he will forge his own path, one closely observed by fans and basketball enthusiasts eager to see if he too will follow his father’s footsteps to the NBA.
LeBron James, by now well-versed through his trials and triumphs, hopes to see Bryce make similar strides. He has publicly stated his desire to one day share the NBA floor with his sons, adding another chapter to the family legacy intertwined with basketball. Should Bryce achieve such heights, fans could very well witness history repeat itself as LeBron potentially plays alongside both of his sons.
Overall, the evening was about more than just basketball—it was about family pride, legacy, and the next generation of athletes. While the night belonged to the Trailblazers and their spectacular win, it served as a reminder of the unwavering support from family and the bright future awaiting Bryce James as he embarks on his collegiate career.
