Liberty boys basketball team races past Heritage, 70-57

Kobe Powell leaps to make a layup between two Heritage defenders. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

By Juliette Johnson, Correspondent

The Liberty High School boys basketball team beat the Heritage Patriots on Thursday evening, 70-57, in a hard-fought game.

Liberty’s leading scorer was senior Jaden Ortega with 23 points. Ortega helped his team by taking risky shots and being trusted to make foul shots.

Starting the first quarter, it seemed like the Bison would fall short of the Patriots as they started off down 8-0. However, Liberty answered quickly. Though not capitalizing on shot opportunities at first, many foul shots helped them to catch up quickly. The tension and competition on the court was intense, causing both teams to have almost equal opportunities and equal possession. The first quarter ended in a 10-10 tie.

In the second quarter, the game shifted as the Patriots continued to be called for fouls against the Bison. Liberty was finally in the lead, but Heritage caught up again at 20-20. The game was even, with both sides fiercely defending their zones and working together with their teammates. By halftime, both teams had shown incredible speed and intense plays, but Liberty had the lead at 31-23.

The Bison appeared to come into the third quarter with much more confidence and energy than before. They claimed the first points of the quarter and the Patriots had a lot of catching up to do. Liberty raced past Heritage in this quarter, expanding their original lead and leading 52-38 at the end of the third quarter.

While the Patriots scored more points in the fourth quarter, the Bison still took control of the court and kept the lead over 10 points.

The leading scorer for Heritage was senior Aidyn Hendricks with 13 points. Trailing close behind was junior Kendall Sampson with 12 points.

Liberty head coach Cory Cornelius gave the head coaching responsibilities in the game to assistant coach Caleb Royer. Heritage is Royer's alma mater.

“It was super exciting, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity,” Royer said. “Heritage came in super hungry; I credit those kids. They played their absolute tails off. They made us work for everything.” 

Caius Nile squares up for a shot in the key for Liberty on Thursday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Heritage's Victory Joice hangs in the air in a crowd on Thursday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Kendall Sampson of Heritage puts up a shot against tough defense. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Leading scorer Jaden Ortega takes a shot from the corner for Liberty. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)