Golden Bears Run Into Buzzsaw, Chatham Returns to Final Four Sometimes in the state tournament, you run into a great team. Sometimes you run into a great pitcher. On Saturday, Canton ran into both. Defending Class B state champion Chatham used another dominant performance from junior ace Skylar Groom and a timely offensive attack to defeat Canton 9-0 in the regional championship game, ending the Golden Bears' impressive postseason run. With the victory, the Panthers advance back to the New York State Final Four as they continue their quest to repeat as state champions. From the opening inning, Chatham looked every bit like a team with championship experience. The Panthers provided early run support for Groom and steadily built their lead throughout the afternoon, putting pressure on Canton to find an answer against one of the state's most dominant pitchers. Finding that answer proved nearly impossible. Groom was electric in the circle, striking out 14 hitters while allowing just two hits. Every time Canton appeared ready to build momentum, the Panthers' ace slammed the door shut. The Golden Bears' best opportunity came in the fourth inning. With one out, Canton finally broke through with a double and later advanced the runner to third base after a stolen base. For a brief moment, it looked like the Bears might find a spark. Instead, Groom responded like champions do. A strikeout followed by a groundout ended the threat and preserved the shutout. It was a fitting snapshot of the afternoon. Every time Canton showed signs of life, Chatham had an answer. The Panthers' pitching dominance has become almost routine. Groom has now allowed just three hits across Chatham's last five games, a staggering stretch that has fueled another deep postseason run. While the final score wasn't what Canton hoped for, it shouldn't overshadow what was another outstanding season for the Golden Bears. Section X champions. Regional finalists. One of the final teams standing in Class B softball. The Bears battled their way through another demanding North Country season, captured a sectional title, and earned the right to play for a spot in the Final Four. That's an accomplishment most programs would gladly celebrate. For Chatham, the journey continues. For Canton, the season ends with a trophy, a championship banner, and another chapter in one of the North Country's most successful softball traditions. The Panthers may be headed to Binghamton. But the Golden Bears once again showed that Section X softball belongs on the state's biggest stage.