Liberty’s girls basketball team faced its largest second-half deficit of the season before rallying to capture its 11th straight victory.
Liberty defeated Walter R. Johnson 44-34 on Monday in a Foothills Athletic Conference contest.
LMS (11-0, 10-0 FAC) trailed by seven points midway through the third period before outscoring the Lady Jackets 8-1 to knot the score at 30-all at the conclusion of the quarter.
“They hit us in the mouth at the start at the second half with a couple of good shots,” LMS first-year head coach Jason Pritchard said. “We haven’t been down a whole lot all year so I told the team now it was the time to test our character….are we gonna play or lay down and quit? The girls dug hard. Defense won the game.”
Liberty’s Sisalynn Norman hit the opening shot of the fourth quarter off an assist from Malarie Tallent. The Lady Jackets answered with an inside basket by Katie Logan.
LMS’ Lindsey Adams buried a 3-pointer to put the Lady Knights in front to stay.
WJMS was jolted when starter Taylor Gardin fouled out with 3:18 remaining.
Liberty sank seven of its 10 free throws in the final quarter to seal the victory and clinch at least a share of the conference title.
Savanah Worley paced the Lady Knights with 14 points. Tallent and Adams scored 10 points each while Norman added eight.
WJMS (6-3, 8-3) played without starting point guard Ansley Rooks. The Lady Jackets were led offensively by Madison Ervin’s 13 points, post player Christina Perkins’ 11 points and Gardin’s eight.
Boys
Walter R. Johnson 52, Liberty 47 – The Yellow Jackets (6-5, 6-3 FAC) closed the third period on a 12-0 run and didn’t trail again to earn a five-point win.
WJMS guard Austin Butler scored a season-high 20 points – including four 3s – to pace the home squad. Forward Gelane Dula scored 13 points, while Josh Rutherford and point guard Ethan Roper chipped in with seven points apiece.
Butler keyed the Yellow Jackets’ second-half attack with 13 points.
Bostian led the Knights with 19 points and three assists. Peyton Mull scored 12 points and Austin Davis added 11.
WJMS was led in rebounding by Marcus Hawkins and Dula.
Liberty (3-7, 4-7) will return to action Monday with a home game versus Table Rock while the WJMS visit the Falcons on Thursday.
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