A big run in the first quarter got the Lyon County Lyons an early double-digit lead, and from there the Lyons were able to keep the Sterlington Panthers at arm’s length for the rest of the night as Lyon County picked up a 81-70 win in the final game of the opening night of the 2025 Marshall County Hoopfest.
The win moved the Lyons to 2-0 and marked the fourth straight season that Lyon County has opened with back-to-back wins.
Keyed by the scoring of Bray Kirk and the rebounding of Nolan Coffman and Carson Collins, the Lyons used a 13-0 run in the opening quarter to turn a one-point deficit into a 17-5 lead. However, just as it looked like Lyon County was going to settle this one early, ball security issues and foul problems allowed the Panthers to fight their way back into it.
Sterlington outscored the Lyons 7-2 to finish the quarter to pull within 19-12 after one.
However, both Isaac Defew and Carson Collins picked up two fouls in the quarter and headed off to the bench. That would turn out to be a theme for Defew on the night as he left the game until the second half and then picked up two fouls in five seconds early on in the third quarter. He would foul out in the opening seconds of the final quarter, having no points and one rebound in his brief time on the court.
The Lyons’ outside shooting helped them gradually stretch the lead out in the second quarter. Lyon County knocked down three shots from behind the arc and pulled out to a lead as big as 18 points at 40-22. Sterlington scored a late basket to send the game into the half at 40-24.
Once again, as it appeared the Lyons were about ready to drop the hammer, ball security issues just would not allow that to happen. Led by Cooper Nelson, the Panthers opened the second half with a 7-2 spurt that cut the lead down to 42-31. For the rest of the night it was a case of the Lyons getting a little breathing room, followed by the Panthers making a move to get back a little closer.
Sterlington could get no closer than 8 points in the second half. Lyon County would lead by as many as 17 points at 69-52.
Lyon County was up 60-48 after three and then played it out for the final 11 point win.
Bray Kirk led the way for the Lyons with 29 points. Nolan Coffman added 26 points and 16 rebounds. Carson Collins finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds. Cooper Collins added 7 points.
Sterlingon’s Cooper Nelson had 27 points to lead the Panthers. Tyler Nordan added 16 points and Caisen Reeves finished with 14.
Lyon County is back in action Tuesday night when the Lyons go on the road to take on Livingston Central in their first 5th District game of the season.
