Lustenberger's late layup lifts Lions to regional title

Posted By: austinb
February 28, 2026 @ 9:15 pm
Local Sports

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Photos by Ryan Zeiger/Field Focus

METROPOLIS — The old saying goes “timing is everything.”

The Carterville Lions and sophomore Harper Lustenberger understand that saying completely. Lustenberger’s layup off a great pass from Maddox Gulley in the final seconds lifted the Lions to a 47-45 win over the host Patriots for the Massac County 2A Regional championship.

Carterville’s Harper Lustenberger’s layup in the closing seconds gave the Lions a 47-45 win over Massac County. Photo by Ryan Zeigler/Field Focus

It was Lustenberger’s only basket of the game.

The Lions, who suffered one of their three losses during the regular season to the Patriots on the same floor, trailed 45-44 in the final 30 seconds. Colton Hawkins drew a foul and made the first free throw to tie the game. Hawkins missed the second free throw, but the rebound went out of bounds off Massac County, giving Carterville the opportunity to hold for the final shot, which turned into Lustenberger’s game winner.

Hawkins led the Lions with 16 points. Gulley added 10. Massac County’s Jude Harmon led all scorers with 23 points.

The 29-3 Lions advance to the Nashville Sectionals where they will face Breese Central Wednesday. The Patriots finish 14-16.