Over 22 years of coaching Liberty Christian basketball, Butch Clark had long aspired for a chance to compete against Warrenton High School. When an opportunity to enter the Warriors’ annual …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
Over 22 years of coaching Liberty Christian basketball, Butch Clark had long aspired for a chance to compete against Warrenton High School. When an opportunity to enter the Warriors’ annual shootout was presented, he quickly accepted.
The Eagles got their long-awaited matchup on Monday, falling decisively in a 53-26 setback during the opening round of the girls tournament.
“Be careful what you wish for,” quipped Clark. “We wanted to play them. We got the game we wanted and didn’t play very good.”
Liberty Christian was never able to overcome an early 10-0 deficit, falling victim to a thorough effort by the Warriors.
“Our kids came out pumped up,” said Warrenton Coach Greg Williams. “They love playing in their tournament, and we got off to a nice start.”
The Eagles went scoreless until the 1:15 mark of the first quarter.
“They outplayed us,” said Clark. “They were better on defense and offense, better coached. They did the whole nine yards. There wasn’t any part of the game that we were decent at tonight. I know we’re better than that, and that’s disappointing.”
Foul trouble for Warrenton allowed Liberty Christian to climb back into contention, cutting the deficit to 14-11 in the second period.
“All the sudden our kids got put into new roles, but we were able to settle down and regain control,” said Williams, whose team led 25-13 at halftime.
Clark believes the Eagles may have let the magnitude of playing a Class 4 MSHSAA team disrupt their usual flow.
“We were tight,” said Clark. “We had too many kids who just let it get in their head. They made more out of it than what it was. It’s still a high school basketball game. A couple of them just played tight. I’m sure it wasn’t as big of a game to them as it was to us.”
Warrenton asserted its dominance even more in the second half, guided by senior Garneisha Love with 19 points.
“She played hard and competed well,” said Williams. “She was getting rebounds and running the fast break for us. She played pretty much the entire game and does so much for us.”
Both coaches agreed much of the contest was won underneath the basket.
“They tried to isolate Dana (Pruitt), but she just battled down there and was able to win the war,” said Williams. “You don’t see a lot of 5-foot-2 post defenders but she got it done.”
Liberty Christian forward Adison Roden was held scoreless through the three quarters.
“We didn’t have anything established in the post,” said Clark. “(Adison) got outplayed down there, and really I don’t think she should have. I know she’s disappointed in her game, because she’s been playing exceptional for us.”
Warrenton was led by juniors Kaylin Haas and Audrey Payne with 12 points each to complement Love’s performance.
Sophomore Alli Meyer led Liberty Christian with six points.
“When you get seven points out of your top three scorers, you’re not in a position to win,” said Clark. They played really well, but we just didn’t respond to them.”
The Warriors advanced to face Francis Howell North in the semifinals, while the Eagles awaited the St. Louis Blue Knights on Wednesday. The trophy games of the Warrenton Shootout are scheduled for Friday, with the championship at 8:30 p.m.
