.jpg "Holy Cross Advances to Final Four as Matt Lyons Scores 1,000th Career Point")
Holy Cross Advances to Final Four as Matt Lyons Scores 1,000th Career Point
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | March 15, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photograpghy
BETHLEHEM, PA — The Holy Cross Crusaders are marching on. Behind their fast-paced offense, balanced scoring attack, and a historic milestone from senior Matt Lyons, they secured a 63-52 victory over Lancaster Mennonite in the PIAA Class 2A state quarterfinals on Saturday night, punching their ticket to the Final Four.
A year after falling in the state championship game, Holy Cross is proving they have unfinished business. The Crusaders set the tempo from the opening tip, using their speed and relentless pressure to take control early and never look back.
Lyons Hits 1,000 Career Points in Explosive Start
Holy Cross wasted no time imposing its will. The Crusaders came out firing, pushing the pace in transition and capitalizing on open looks to jump out to an 18-9 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their defensive intensity made life difficult for Lancaster Mennonite, forcing tough shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Senior Matt Lyons added to the excitement with a major career achievement, reaching the 1,000-point milestone to start the game. His consistent scoring throughout the night helped propel Holy Cross while solidifying his place in program history.
Although the Blazers fought back in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to eight at halftime (30-20), Holy Cross maintained control with steady scoring and relentless energy on both ends of the floor.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
Lyons, fresh off his milestone moment, finished with 12 points in the victory. CJ Thompson led the charge for Holy Cross, delivering a stellar 15-point performance, including two clutch three-pointers. Adam Badyrka added 13 points, showing his deep-range shooting ability by draining three triples of his own.
Michael Hughes (11 points) and Mario Matrone (10 points) provided crucial support, making Holy Cross’ offense even more dangerous. Hughes also made a major impact on the defensive end, helping limit Lancaster Mennonite’s scoring opportunities.
For Lancaster Mennonite, Chase Hurst fought hard to keep his team in the game, leading all Blazers scorers with 16 points. Cody Fisher contributed 12, while Daulton Nolt added eight.
Closing it Out
After entering the fourth quarter with a commanding 47-33 lead, Holy Cross refused to let Lancaster Mennonite mount a comeback. While the Blazers made a late push, outscoring the Crusaders 19-16 in the final frame, the deficit proved too much to overcome.
Holy Cross’ composure at the free-throw line and ability to control the tempo in the closing minutes sealed the victory, setting up a highly anticipated Final Four showdown with West Catholic.
Looking Ahead
The Crusaders are now one step away from returning to the PIAA Class 2A state championship game. With last year’s heartbreak still fresh, they’ll look to take the next step and earn a shot at redemption.
Their semifinal matchup with West Catholic promises to be a battle, but if Holy Cross continues to push the pace and dictate the tempo, they’ll be a tough team to stop.
One thing is clear—this Crusaders squad is hungry, and with Matt Lyons cementing his legacy in the process, they’re determined to finish what they started.
