On Wednesday March 9 2016, our men’s Liberty North basketball team competed against Park Hill South in the Sectionals game at the Silverstein Eye Centers arena. Earlier in the season, the two teams met in the championship of the Liberty North Invitational. After three overtimes the eagles were able to walk away with the win. Last night the final score of the game was 56 – 57 with yet another win over the panthers.

   “During halftime when we were down by three, coach McCabe told us to keep playing tough. He said we would finish shots in the second half and to just keep shooting the ball. Lastly he said for us to keep playing defense,” senior Michael Wansing said.

   Many people came out to the game to support the program last night in Independence. About half of the bodies that were there were made up of students. The student section was at an all-time high with one of the biggest showings yet.

   “I think the atmosphere of the student section is a big deal because it shows the players that we do care for them and that we are a big moral booster for the team. Even when they are down, we are still cheering them on which helps them mentally and physically,” senior Nick Dembski said.

   The eagles were trailing for both the second and third quarter until the final five minutes of the game. With four minutes and nine seconds left on the clock, the boys took the lead with a score of 44-46. Two baskets, two made free throws by Michael Hughes and a steal later, the men’s team would secure a spot in the elite eight to play Saturday March 12th against Lee’s Summit.

   “The most important aspect of a team is togetherness. When it comes down to single elimination no one is guaranteed another game, so the teams that are with one another always seem to prevail. They always play together as one guy on the team. They also communicate well and don’t let bad calls affect the outcome of the game,” sophomore James Perry said.