First-year coach Sarah Gibson struggled to find her team’s identity this season, because just about the time she did, it would change.The Liberty Christian girls saw several players depart from the team for various reasons, while the late addition of others paid dividends.Despite the changes, the Eagles didn’t lower their expectations, determined to defend their state title from the previous season.When they landed in a third-place game after a semifinal defeat, Gibson says the motivation had dissipated.“Our goal is to always be the champion at the end of the year,” said Gibson. “They wanted it all or nothing.”She says her players have already gotten back to work on improving their game just two weeks removed from a 14-9 season.Much of this year’s success centered around the changes Gibson made when she took over the program.Analyzing the strengths of each player, she decided to move junior Matilyn Voss to point guard and switch senior Avery Dickson to a wing.“I felt like Mattie had great composure to run the court,” said Gibson. “She’s very patient and teachable. Your point guard is supposed to be an extension of your coach on the court.”Voss was both the Eagles’ facilitator and oftentimes their top offensive threat, averaging 27 points per game.“She understood how to be a selfless player,” said Gibson. “She took the game under her control, while still getting everybody involved.”Dickson chipped in 15 points per game, focusing on driving to the basket more and settling for fewer outside shots.“Avery is a lot stronger at driving,” said Gibson. “She always finds her way to the basket. She pulls down boards and makes it happen on offense.”The Eagles relied a lot on Kaylen Jordan inside, with Gibson witnessing considerable progress.“Watching her change throughout the entire season was amazing,” said Gibson. “She’s so talented naturally, and it’s cool to be able to shape and direct that.”Perhaps the most pivotal addition at midseason was eighth-grader Makenna Meyer, who began playing a few games after the semester break.“She was a big addition,” said Gibson. “She’s naturally athletic and fell right into what we were looking to establish as a program.”Liberty Christian’s most improved player, according to Gibson, was Sarah Ratcliffe.“She got herself into the starting rotation near the end of the season because of her consistent hustle,” said Gibson. “She’s diving all over the floor, and that’s what I loved about her the whole season.”Gibson says the Eagles’ offense was best served when the game was at full speed, almost in chaotic form.“Our offense relied on our defense,” said Gibson. “We got points off turnovers or we didn’t score.”Liberty Christian wasn’t nearly as effective in the halfcourt.“We had a hard time running set offenses,” said Gibson.Fortunately for the Eagles, their pressure defense was typically strong enough to befuddle the competitor.“With Makenna at the top of the press she caused so much disruption and turnovers,” said Gibson.She’s excited about the future of the program, with Dickson being the only departing senior.“We’ve got a lot to look forward to,” said Gibson. “These young girls have developed a lot and are ready to take over the program. We’re going to keep striving for the title.”VOSS LEADS EAGLESDerrick Forsythe photo.