Despite a troublesome third quarter, the Liberty Christian boys basketball team held off host Thomas Jefferson, 59-42, Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the Metro Athletic Conference …
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Despite a troublesome third quarter, the Liberty Christian boys basketball team held off host Thomas Jefferson, 59-42, Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the Metro Athletic Conference Tournament.
The Eagles looked to their pesky zone defense and fast-paced offense to maintain an advantage throughout the game.
“Our defense was very disciplined,” said Head Coach Kenny Hart. “It may have been the most disciplined we’ve played as far as on the defensive side of the ball.”
With starter Dakota Ball absent from the lineup, others had to step into unfamiliar roles.
“We had to put kids in positions they’re not used to playing, and it worked out great,” said Hart.
Having already beaten Thomas Jefferson twice during the regular season, Hart made certain his team didn’t enter the contest complacent.
“They have the best coach in our conference, and I never take him lightly,” said Hart. “He always prepares well for us, and I passed that on to our kids.”
Liberty Christian led 20-6 after one quarter, paced by Josh Dames, who scored nine of his 15 points during that stretch. The Eagles built a 35-12 lead by halftime, before letting off the gas.
Thomas Jefferson went on an 11-0 run in the third quarter, outscoring Liberty Christian 22-13.
“We got lazy and started settling for long passes,” said Hart. “They applied pressure, which they should have. We didn’t handle the pressure well at all. If we don’t stay disciplined, then our fast break doesn’t work. When we do it right, no one guards us well.”
With a comfortable lead, Hart tried giving his top two scorers a breather.
“We built up a lead, and I wanted to give Andrew (Voss) and Logan (Hart) a rest for the final 1:30 of the third quarter, but that backfired,” said Hart. “Moving deeper into this tournament and into the next tournament at state, I’ve got to be able to figure out how to give my starters rest without losing ground.”
Voss was a steady contributor throughout the game, scoring nine in the second quarter and seven in the fourth en route to a 24-point performance. Hart finished with 13 points.
The Eagles were limited in their perimeter game, knocking down just two treys on Tuesday. On the contrary, Liberty Christian forced its opponent to shoot from the outside.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 22-4 and will play Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis on Thursday at 8 p.m.
.OFF THE DRIBBLE — Liberty Christian's Andrew Voss races past a North County Christian defender last week. Derrick Forsythe photo.
