Liberty boys basketball coach Stefan Berg was looking for positives from Thursday’s showcase game against Mater Dei (California) at the Tarkanian Classic. And in the second half at Bishop Gorman, he found a few.
Basketball
Lea Williams scored a game-high 19 points Thursday to lead Rancho’s girls basketball team to a 53-32 win over visiting Basic.
First-team all-state honoree Troy Brown is one of seven returning lettermen for the Bulldogs.
Christian Marshall returned to running back after being injured in a season-opening loss and will carry a streak of five consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards into Friday’s Class 4A Sunset Region semifinal against top-ranked Bishop Gorman.
The Falcons return 11 lettermen from last year’s team.
The Aggies are young, but hope to compete in the Northwest League.
The Gaels have won five straight state titles and hope to contend for another crown this year.
Last year’s Division I-A state runner-up squad returns four starters and should contend for the state title again this year.
The Crusaders lack experience as only three lettermen return, but the team hopes to be competitive in its return to Class 4A.
The Wildcats return nine lettermen from a young team last year and hope to improve this season.
The Rams return three starters and hope to qualify for the playoffs.
The Mustangs have a new coaching staff and only two returning starters but hope to qualify for postseason play.
The Grizzlies return five starters and are gunning for a playoff berth in their return to Class 4A.
The Bulldogs must replace their top two scorers from last season but hope to remain competitive.
The Miners are hoping to make their first postseason appearance this season.