As the winter sports season winds down, Liberty student-athletes delivered standout performances across the board. From the basketball courts to the swimming pool, the season was filled with high levels of competition along with remarkable achievements. Here is a look back at the highlights of the season.
Girls Basketball
The Liberty Girls Basketball Team wrapped up a strong season with a 17-7 record, showcasing their skill and teamwork. Natalie Ramsey, 11, led the team in points and rebounds this season. Ava Casey, 10, was at the top of the leaderboard for assists. The girls’ basketball team made history this season, qualifying for the state tournament for the first time.
“It was so awesome to be the first [Liberty] girls basketball team to make it to state,” Ava Tague (she/her), 11, said. “It showed all of the hard work we put in all season and it was great to see it pay off.”
Liberty Girls Basketball looks to continue to see success in the future. With a talented team of underclassmen, the team has a promising future ahead.
Boys Basketball
The boys’ basketball team demonstrated resilience throughout the season, finishing with a record of 2-21. Although the number of wins was few, the team continued to put their best foot forward on the court. While athletics tend to be measured in wins, the boys’ basketball team sees success in building a community amongst the team.
“The relationships between teammates have grown stronger,” said Maddoc Coapstick, (he/him), 12. “Making connections with teammates to build chemistry was big in growing the team [environment].”
Liberty Boys Basketball will continue to build on their season for the future.
Girls Wrestling
The girls’ wrestling team had a successful season, finishing with a record of 40-7. This season marks the third year of the program, and the wrestling team has seen massive growth in that time. For the first time in school history, the girls wrestling team had a wrestler place in the state tournament. Peyten Van Dyke, 10, placed eighth in the state tournament this year. This was the first year Liberty hosted the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) tournament. Taylor Cavanh, 11 and Evelyn Eggelston, 11 both won their brackets making school history. Callum Wu, (she/her), 11, is excited about the future of the program. With an influx of freshmen joining the program, she appreciated building relationships with the younger girls on the team.
“I think this season, my favorite part was getting to spend time meeting all of the new faces coming into the program…it was really nice to get to know them and watch them grow as wrestlers,” Wu said.
With a strong underclassmen presence, the girls’ wrestling program seems set up for success in the future. The team ended with a ranking of 13th in the state for Class 2A, and ranked first in the MVC.
Boys Wrestling
Liberty Boys Wrestling had an admirable season, sending one wrestler to the state tournament. Landon Bell, 11, placed fifth at the state tournament. With a strong group of senior leaders including Carter Bevins, Ethan Barber and Mason Karam, the team was set up for success. While the results of this season are important, the relationships built on the mats will be cherished for years to come. Ethan Barber (he/him), 12, discusses the role that his friendships have played in the sport of wrestling.
“Carter was the heart and soul of the wrestling team. He embodies everything that Liberty stands for. Watching him go out with a pin was the best part of my wrestling season,” Barber said.
The boys wrestling program will continue to focus on building strong relationships and bonds in the program, while also finding success in their competitions. They ended their season ranked fifth in the MVC.
Boys Swimming
The Trojan-Bolts swim team had a strong presence this season, placing second in the state meet. They have a combined team with Iowa City West High School that allows for an opportunity to meet new people, while also becoming a more competitive program. Notable accomplishments include Hayden Hakes, 12, taking home the MVC Player of the Year. With success as a team comes individual work and preparation from all swimmers.
“I initially started swimming because of my older brother. But throughout the years I’ve grown to become fond of being able to push myself individually while also being a part of a team, being able to focus on my own technique, mindset, goals and dedication,” said Evan Staber (he/him), 11.
Looking ahead to next year, the program seems set up to see success in the future.
Girls Bowling
For both girls’ and boys’ bowling, Liberty joins forces with Iowa City West High School, Highland High School, Clear Creek Amana High School and Iowa City Regina High School. Girls Bowling acquired a large group of Liberty students who participated in bowling this season. Having bowled in 11 meets this season, the team worked on their bowling skills while also having fun with each other. Aila Hamann (she/her), 10, discusses the benefits of playing a simultaneously individual and team sport.
“I really enjoy bowling because it is an individual and team sport. While we are all focused on improving our own scores, the outcome of the meet depends on how we perform as a team,” said Hamann.
The Girls Bowling Team strives to continue growing their program as well as continuing to stay competitive at meets. The team ended their season ranked 66th in the state, and are looking to make their way up the rankings in years to come.
Boys Bowling
Boys bowling showed their commitment and dedication with an 8-3 record to end their season. Cayden Day, 12, attends Iowa City West High School. He bowled a high game of 267 pins, a season-high for the team. Thomas Butler, 11, also attends West. He bowled the highest average per game, averaging 205 pins per game. Toby Schoon (he/him), 11, joined the team for the first time this year, and had a positive experience in the program.
“I decided I needed to have a sport in my life. I gave it (bowling) a try, and it ended up being one of my favorite high school experiences,” said Schoon.
The boys’ bowling program had one bowler qualify for the state tournament this year. Trajan Plummer, 11, from Iowa City West High School, bowled at state to represent the boys’ bowling program. The Bowling Team finished the season ranked 33rd in the state, and looks to improve that ranking in the future.
Winter sports at Liberty brought excitement and historic achievements for Liberty athletics. Athletes showed resilience, teamwork and dedication to excellence. As the snow melts and we look ahead to spring sports, we celebrate the hard work of athletes this winter.
