The Liberty North basketball team hit Mizzou’s basketball arena for the second year in a row. The expectations for the weekend may not have been met, but the team has much more to be proud of like themselves, their fans and the bonds they have made over the season.

“I told my team it wasn’t because we didn’t try hard and it wasn’t because we didn’t care, it just so happened, like last night, we were playing short. As a coach, the results matter and people see them. You know, sure we got a technical and we missed some shots and you can dissect it anyway you want. But when you sit in that locker room, and you see those guys in that locker room, you understand why you coach,” Coach McCabe said in the post-game conference.

The suffered two back-to-back one point losses. The crowd blamed the calls and the team blamed their own playing, but the players have managed to look past their losses and onto things that are more important.

“We certainly had a great season had a great season, but it didn’t finish the way we wanted it to. The overall experience was great. Not many high school basketball players in this area get to experience what we experienced playing in Mizzou arena and just overall experience was a blast. The students section was great even when we’re playing in Columbia 2 hours away, we still get great crowds for game. That just let’s you know that people care about the basketball team and that’s really what you want,” sophomore Brian Sharp said.

Experience is something that Liberty North has had very little of being on a three year school. The basketball team has grown to appreciate all their opportunities and rewards for their hard work.

“We’ve has a really special opportunity here, I think we realize that. But the career I’ve had here, I wouldn’t have wanted it with any other players, any other coaches or any other fans at any other school. I enjoyed every last minute of it, and I’m really going to miss it,” senior Jake Hanson said.

The team battled through many wins and losses this year, some harder than others, and managed to keep their eye on what is most important. Liberty North has truly been blessed with the boys and coaches that make up the men’s basketball program.