Penfield Patriots Claim First State Basketball Championship, Ushering in New Era for Program

The Penfield Patriots boys basketball team secured their first-ever New York State Class AA championship on March 21, 2026, defeating Amsterdam 62-54 at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton. The victory marks a turning point for the program, building on a Section V championship win in 2025 that ended a 73-year drought.

A Historic Victory

Penfield’s triumph over Amsterdam wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. “Now they have changed the trajectory of the program,” said Penfield coach Jason Ellis shortly after the final buzzer. The Patriots, ranked No. 1 in the state among Class AA schools since December, finished the season with a 25-1 record, while Amsterdam concluded their season at 22-3.

Key Players Shine

Junior guard Jackson Green led the Patriots with a game-high 26 points, excelling inside the three-point line with only two successful long-range shots. Junior center Jake McCarthy contributed 14 points and blocked at least two shots, while junior guard CJ Johnson added 13 points, all scored inside the arc. For Amsterdam, Aundray Fowler led with 20 points, and Caleb Miller scored 16.

Game Highlights

The game remained competitive throughout. A late-game floater by Jackson Green with 1:45 remaining gave Penfield a crucial lead, sparking an 8-0 run to close out the game. Key moments included CJ Johnson converting two free throws with 23 seconds left, extending Penfield’s lead to 58-54. Aundray Fowler’s three-point play earlier in the fourth quarter briefly gave Amsterdam the lead, but Penfield responded effectively.

Looking Ahead

Penfield is poised for continued success, with all three leading scorers – Jackson Green, CJ Johnson, and Jake McCarthy – returning as juniors next season. Coach Ellis emphasized the importance of building a sustainable basketball program. “We want to identify a way to stay a basketball school,” he stated. “Now, this is going to fuel the program more (when it comes to interest among younger athletes in playing for the Patriots).”

Game Breakdown

• Final Score: Penfield 62, Amsterdam 54
• 4th Quarter (23 seconds remaining): Penfield 58, Amsterdam 54 – CJ Johnson makes two free throws.
• 4th Quarter (1:45 remaining): Penfield 56, Amsterdam 54 – Jackson Green scores on a floater.
• 4th Quarter (3:34 remaining): Penfield 54, Amsterdam 54 – Aundray Fowler completes a three-point play.
• End of 3rd Quarter: Penfield 43, Amsterdam 42
• Halftime: Penfield 29, Amsterdam 26
• End of 1st Quarter: Amsterdam 13, Penfield 12

Player of the Game

Jackson Green, Penfield guard.

Play of the Game

Jackson Green’s floater with 1:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, initiating Penfield’s game-winning 8-0 run.