Pulling out both convincing, and entertaining wins over Sectional opponent St. Joe Lafayette and Elite Eight opponent Grandview, it was only fitting that the Liberty North Eagles would bring their largest fan section yet, to the Final Four match against Republic. At 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2013, the Eagle’s fans were ready to make their presence known at the biggest game of the year, and arguably of the school’s short history, at the University of Missouri’s Basketball Arena. To North coaches, players, and even fans, a shot at the MSHSAA Class Four State Championship, had never been so possible.
“Going to state is a great experience for many reasons. You receive great hospitality, with an awesome pull out chair in the room that I slept on, a very nice practice gym, gift bags, and an entire student body supporting you,” senior Kyle Malone said.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, the many perks were not able to trump the knots left in the pit of each players stomach wants the final buzzer sounded. In a 39-38 victory, Republic left Liberty North with little to say.
“I am rather speechless. I am devastated for our team and for our players. I don’t think they deserved to lose the game;  I thought we played well enough to do it. However you want to dissect it, we didn’t,” Head Coach Chris McCabe said in a post-game press conference.
Though the Eagles trailed by 6 going into halftime, a positive vibe still found its way into their locker room. After all, Liberty North has proven itself to be a team that comes out of every halftime rejuvenated. Liberty North went on to tie the game, and then even take the lead at one point in the second half. As Republic began to creep back into the game in the fourth quarter, the nerves of everyone in the building began to reach their peaks.

With under a minute left to play in the game, Liberty North’s Kyle Malone had a timely layup to give his team a one point lead. With only 12 seconds to play, Republic missed a three pointer. Liberty North’s Ian Sanderford came up with the defensive rebound while falling to the ground, and was then called for traveling, prompting a loud chorus of boos from the North fan section in disbelief of the call. Republic proceeded to make the basket, leaving the Eagles with 6 seconds down by one. When it was all said and done, the Eagles were one possession from winning the game.
“The game hurts a lot, but we have accomplished so many things this year and had a great time doing it. It has been an amazing adventure, and the people I was able to do it with were people I think of as my family,” Junior Ian Sanderford said.
To come so close, and leave without the championship, has left crippling replays, and what-ifs, in the minds of the coaches and players for the Liberty North Eagles. Even with wounded spirits, Liberty North can be proud of what they have accomplished this season. Making every game entertaining, Coach McCabe and his staff has set up a winning program for years to come. With the support of over 200 students on 5 spirit buses, and the stellar determination of the players and coaches, Liberty North can hold their heads high on another impressive run.