Bri Anderson tries to get a shot off against two defenders. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Liberty High School held on during the frantic final two minutes Thursday night to score a 48-46 win over visiting Irvine in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 6 girls basketball playoffs.
In a game of multiple lead changes, Liberty (19-5) took a four-point lead with less than two minutes left in the game when Jayda Reese hit her only 3-point shot of the night. The Vaqueros quickly cut the lead to one on a basket plus a free throw, however.
Liberty maintained the lead for the next minute and a half, with Bri Anderson making a free throw for a two-point margin. Irvine had the last possession with 17 seconds left but missed two shot attempts. One was blocked by Anderson and the other bounced off the back iron. The game ended with a scramble for the ball.
“We got big contributions offensively by Jayda Reese, Bri Anderson, and Kahili Paulino,” said coach Fred Yepez. “Malaya Baker did an awesome job defensively and grabbed a lot of rebounds. Overall, it was a great team effort.
“I’m extremely happy for our kids and program for getting the opportunity to host a first-round game and get a win for our fans. Our kids have been putting in a lot of work this season and it’s finally paying off. We’ll be on the road for our next game on Saturday, but we’ll embrace the challenge.”
Liberty will play at Rowland High School in the second round on Saturday.
Jayda Reese flies in for a layup. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Bri Anderson and Jayda Reese compete for a rebound. (Photo by Action Captures Media
Lyric McCalebb reaches in on defense. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Malaya Baker drives past a defender. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Mireya De La Riva tries to keep the ball away from a defender. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
