If early-season results are any indicator, it’s going to be a memorable campaign for the Liberty Christian girls basketball team. With five seniors returning from a 24-6 finish in 2020-21, the Eagles are off to a dominant 7-0 debut this season. They look to repeat as returning Metro Athletic Conference and Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association champions.

Under the guidance of long-time coach Butch Clark, Liberty Christian has displayed tremendous scoring balance thus far, averaging 64 points per contest.

Seniors Anna Meyer and Andrea Mueller are leading an experienced charge, averaging 11.5 and 10.8 points a night, respectively.

The Eagles’ fast-paced offense has left opponents reeling and put Liberty Christian in strong command of their games thus far. Tremendous depth hasn’t hurt either.

“I would rather make every game a track meet,” quipped Clark. “When we have 10 kids that can contribute, that’s an advantage for us. If we can play at a fast pace that’s good.”

Meyer commands the offense at point guard, dishing out five assists per game while protecting the ball from defenders.

“I think she’s one of the better point guards in this area,” said Clark. “She doesn’t seem to do as well when we’re totally under control. You’ve just got to let her go. When she can run the court she’s as good as they come.”

Meyer is surrounded by reliable scorers, including Mueller, who has been a contributor across the board. She is averaging 3.2 rebounds and three steals per game this season.

“She’s aggressive and her nature is to play aggressive on offense and defense,” said Clark. “She doesn’t shy from the moment and has a really solid outside shot and can work inside. Her and Ally work really well in transition together.”

Sophomore Sophi Mueller adds to that attack with 9.7 points per game as another option at guard.

“She’s young, but she’s probably got the best shot on the team,” said Clark. “Her form is good. She’s got to work through issues of being an underclassman. If she hits the first shot, she’s probably going to have a good night. She’s got good technique and likes to put the work in.”

While the guard positions are in reliable hands, the Eagles have no shortage of skill under the basket either. The trio of junior Kylee Ball, along with seniors Gracie Foran and Adison Roden, will create a formidable challenge for opponents.

Roden has been dominant thus far as a blocking and rebounding force. She is averaging eight points and seven rebounds thus far.

“I don’t think she understands how good she could be,” said Clark. “Most nights she could be the best player on the court. She has the physical tools to do that. She’s strong and can still shoot outside and has the ability to work inside. On defense she’s a good shot blocker.”

Ball and Foran are each averaging 4.8 points a game this season.

“Kylee is playing significant minutes at post and wing,” said Clark. “Gracie plays hard and is going to get you eight or so rebounds and come up with the loose balls. She brings an element of grit that a lot of girls don't have. I’ve always seemed to have a kid on my team that liked to play that way. She does the dirty work and can score a bucket when she needs to.”

Seniors Lauren Moss and Ava Queen will add depth for the Eagles’ loaded roster.

“I think we’ve got 10 kids that can play and contribute if needed,” said Clark. “I’m really excited about that. The girls play well together and don’t seem to care who gets the glory.”

While they look to maintain a hurried pace on offense, the Eagles will slow down the approach on defense and settle into the half court.

“I would like to press, but I just don’t think we’re ready for that,” said Clark. “We have a tendency to reach more with our hands instead of moving our feet. We’re better at half court traps if we mix those in. We’re going to try to play a good man-to-man half court defense.”

Clark is particularly excited about the Eagles’ upcoming appearances in the Bourbon and Hermann Tournaments.

Depending on its success in those tournaments, Liberty Christian could face up to 12 public school opponents this season, including Elsberry.