Norwayne edges Keystone in final seconds of district semifinal

Bobcats junior Jaxson Gasser's game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds left hands host Wildcats a 58-57 loss

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Norwayne brought Keystone's stellar season to a sudden halt on March 4, as Bobcats junior Jaxson Gasser's game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds left handed the host Wildcats a 58-57 loss in a Division V district semifinal. Liam Goran made a pair of free throws with 9.8 seconds remaining to give Keystone (18-6) a 57-56 lead, but Gasser caught the ensuing inbounds pass and went coast-to-coast for the winning score.

Why it matters

This was a heartbreaking loss for Keystone, which was upset on its home floor for the second straight year. Despite losing all five starters from last year's district championship team and dealing with injuries, Norwayne defied the odds and advanced to the district final with this gritty road win.

The details

Norwayne jumped to an early 15-7 lead before Keystone roared back with an 18-3 run. The Bobcats rallied with a 7-0 run in the final 2:30 of the half to tie the score at 25-25, and their momentum carried over to the second half. The game went back-and-forth down the stretch, with Ty Holzhauer hitting two big 3-pointers to put Keystone up 50-46 late. But Norwayne responded with a 7-0 run to retake the lead, setting up Jaxson Gasser's game-winning layup.

  • The game was played on March 4, 2026.
  • Liam Goran made two free throws with 9.8 seconds remaining to give Keystone a 57-56 lead.
  • Jaxson Gasser hit the game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds left.

The players

Jaxson Gasser

A junior on the Norwayne Bobcats who hit the game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds left.

Liam Goran

A player for the Keystone Wildcats who made two free throws to give his team a late lead.

Ty Holzhauer

A player for the Keystone Wildcats who hit two big 3-pointers to put his team up late in the game.

Brian West

The head coach of the Norwayne Bobcats, who guided his team to the upset victory.

Jeff Holzhauer

The head coach of the Keystone Wildcats, whose team was upset on its home floor.

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What they’re saying

“To be honest, I didn't know if we had it in us. It was the toughness we showed tonight that we've been hoping to get this year, losing all five starters from last year. I think we're getting there.”

— Brian West, Norwayne head coach (morningjournal.com)

“I knew they were going to try and take me away, but I knew I needed to get the last shot to put us on top. I knew I was the guy.”

— Jaxson Gasser (morningjournal.com)

“They played really physical and we didn't handle it well. They beat us to a spot and were good at making shots in the paint. … I think everyone will want it more next year now after losing on basically a buzzer-beater in the playoffs. It puts a chip on our shoulder.”

— Liam Goran, Keystone player (morningjournal.com)

What’s next

Norwayne will face Chagrin Falls in the Division V district final on March 7 at Akron Firestone.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking loss for Keystone highlights the resilience and toughness of the undermanned Norwayne squad, which overcame significant roster turnover to advance to the district final. The Wildcats will use this defeat as motivation for next season, determined to avenge this tough playoff exit.