GALT, CA (MPG) - In a fast-paced, physical battle that showcased heart over rankings, the Liberty Ranch Hawks nearly pulled off a stunning upset against Division I powerhouse Sheldon High School before falling 70-65 in a game that came down to the final possessions.

The D4 Hawks trailed by as many as 17 points but stormed back in the second half, cutting the deficit to just three points in a furious rally that had the home crowd on the edges of their seats. Despite the loss, Liberty Ranch proved it could compete with one of the region’s elite programs.

“The girls came out really strong. They stuck to the game plan,” said new Head Coach Karrin Blevins. “We adjusted well. I can’t ask anymore more of the team. They adjusted on the fly. They put in a defense they’ve never even run before. We brought back a 17-point deficit, made it a three-point basketball game.”

Sheldon jumped out to an early 22-13 lead after the first quarter and maintained control through the first half, taking a 41-27 advantage into the break. But Liberty Ranch refused to fold.

The Hawks exploded for 23 points in the third quarter, their highest-scoring period of the game, cutting Sheldon’s lead to just five points heading into the final frame. The comeback continued in the fourth as Liberty Ranch clawed within three points, setting up a tense finish.

Senior Haley Smith led the Hawks’ offensive attack with a game-high 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field. The versatile forward connected on three three-pointers, going 3 for 7 from beyond the arc, and added three free throws on four attempts. Smith dominated the glass with a team-high 10 rebounds for a double-double performance while dishing out three assists and recording a block and a steal.

 

Junior Kamrynn Blevins is grabbed and pressured as she dribbles down the court.

Junior Kamrynn Blevins contributed 15 points while orchestrating the offense and keeping the Hawks in striking distance. Blevins battled through a tough shooting night, going 7 for 21 from the field and 1 for 6 from three-point range, but showcased her all-around game with a team-high eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Her ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities for teammates was crucial in the comeback attempt.

Senior Madisyn Robbins provided efficient scoring with 12 points on 6-of-11 shooting from inside the arc. Robbins was a force on the boards with five rebounds and contributed three assists and two steals while committing just one foul.

Sophomore Cruz Gregorio matched Robbins with 12 points, shooting an impressive 6 for 9 from two-point range. Gregorio added five rebounds, three assists and played solid defense.

Sophomore Lexi Williams came off the bench to provide a spark with two points on perfect 1-for-1 shooting. Williams also grabbed three rebounds, including two offensive boards, in limited minutes.

Junior Savannah Garbarino contributed two points on 1-for-1 shooting and made her presence felt on the glass with two rebounds while dishing out two assists and recording a steal.

For Sheldon, sophomore Saniah Wiley proved to be the difference-maker with a game-high 31 points in 31 minutes of action. Wiley was deadly from long range, connecting on 8 of 11 three-pointers while adding three two-point field goals. She converted one free throw on two attempts and contributed five rebounds and three assists.

Coach Blevins acknowledged the challenge of facing elite talent.

“They have a couple phenomenal players who just were able to put the ball in the basket a few more times than we were, but there is nothing but all guts in battle,” Blevins said.

Liberty Ranch shot 47 percent from the field overall (29 of 62) but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 4 of 13 three-point attempts (31 percent). The Hawks were more efficient inside, shooting 51 percent (25 of 49) on two-point attempts. At the free-throw line, Liberty Ranch converted 3 of 5 attempts for 60 percent.

The Hawks were outrebounded 34-32 but showed tenacity on the offensive glass with 10 offensive rebounds leading to second-chance opportunities. Liberty Ranch recorded 19 assists on 29 field goals, demonstrating excellent ball movement, but committed 17 turnovers compared to just six for Sheldon.

 

Senior Madisyn Robbins floats to the basket.

Defensively, Liberty Ranch recorded seven steals and three blocks while being whistled for eight personal fouls. The Hawks’ ability to force Sheldon into difficult shots and create turnovers kept them in the game.

The loss provides a measuring stick for the Hawks as they continue their season under their new head coach. The ability to implement a new defensive scheme on the fly and nearly erase a 17-point deficit demonstrates the team’s potential and fighting spirit.

Liberty Ranch will look to build on the positives from this competitive showing as it begins league play on Jan. 6 against Union Mine, where grit, determination and a balanced scoring attack should serve the Hawks well against division opponents. With six players contributing to the scoring column and a never-say-die attitude, the Hawks showed they have the pieces to compete at a high level.