GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks boys’ basketball team celebrated Senior Night in style on Tuesday, honoring five graduating players before dominating Rosemont 70-36 to cap off a perfect 12-0 league season and secure the league championship. The emotional evening saw seniors Daniel Wilks, Derek Nelson, Charles Mejia, Armaan Shergill and Everett Dixon walk through a tunnel of teammates and cheerleaders alongside their parents and families before standing under the basket for recognition.

The victory was a fitting tribute to a senior class that has been instrumental in building Liberty Ranch into a championship program. However, the Hawks’ quest for a perfect season isn’t complete yet. Two challenges remain: Bradshaw Christian, whom the Hawks edged 55-54 in a nail-biter earlier this season, and crosstown rival Galt High, whom they defeated 62-33. Both rematches will test whether Liberty Ranch can maintain its undefeated status.

 

Everett Dixon gets the jump on Rosemont. Photo by Paige Lampson

Senior guard Daniel Wilks has been the Hawks’ offensive leader all season, averaging 11.5 points per game while leading the team with 264 total points. Wilks’ impact extends far beyond scoring, as he also leads Liberty Ranch with 78 assists and 3.4 assists per game. His 34 steals and 70% free-throw shooting reflect his complete game and reliability in clutch moments.

Senior point guard Derek Nelson has been equally impressive, averaging 11.0 points per game and totaling 242 points. Nelson’s 42% field-goal percentage and team-leading 74% free-throw shooting make him one of the most efficient scorers on the roster. He’s also contributed 60 assists and 97 rebounds, making him a complete player who impacts every aspect of the game.

Senior forward Everett Dixon rounds out the Hawks’ top three scorers, averaging 9.4 points per game and totaling 217 points. Dixon’s 51% field-goal percentage reflects his efficiency around the basket. He’s been a force on the boards with 116 rebounds and 5.0 rebounds per game, while also contributing 10 blocks on the season.

 

 Arjun Nigam dribbles around the key. Photo Courtesy of Bill Nelson

Senior guard Charles Mejia may not fill up the scoring column, but his defensive impact has been crucial to Liberty Ranch’s success. Mejia leads the team with 32 steals and averages 1.7 steals per game. His ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses has been a key component of the Hawks’ defensive identity.

Senior Armaan Shergill has contributed through his leadership, practice intensity and commitment to the program’s culture: qualities every championship team needs.

The Hawks’ success hasn’t been limited to their seniors. Sophomore center Conrad Dixon has emerged as a dominant force in the paint, leading the team with 148 rebounds and 6.4 rebounds per game. His 64% field-goal percentage leads all players and makes him nearly unstoppable around the basket. Dixon’s 33 blocks and 1.4 blocks per game provide rim protection that anchors Liberty Ranch’s defense.

 

Daniel Wilks slam dunks the ball. Photo Courtesy of Bill Nelson

Junior point guard Ryan Ogas has been another key contributor, recording 46 assists and 2.3 assists per game while also contributing 33 steals. His ability to facilitate the offense and create defensive pressure makes him a valuable piece of the Hawks’ championship puzzle.

The 70-36 victory over Rosemont was a dominant performance that showcased everything Liberty Ranch has built this season. The Hawks controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing Rosemont to establish any rhythm. The 34-point margin of victory was a statement that Liberty Ranch is operating at a different level than its league competition.

The championship represents validation for a program that has steadily built toward this moment. Liberty Ranch’s perfect league season was the result of talent, preparation and execution at the highest level. Yet the Hawks know their work isn’t finished. The one-point victory over Bradshaw Christian earlier this season proved that team can compete with them, while the crosstown rivalry with Galt always brings added intensity regardless of previous results.

 

Derek Nelson looks for the play. Photo Courtesy of Bill Nelson

As the seniors prepare to close out their high school basketball careers, they have their sights set on something special: a perfect season. With players like Conrad Dixon and Ryan Ogas supporting the senior leadership, Liberty Ranch has the talent and depth to finish what it’s started.

For now, this moment belongs to Wilks, Nelson, Dixon, Mejia and Shergill. They’ve earned a league championship and completed a perfect 12-0 league season. The 70-36 Senior Night victory was the perfect celebration, but these seniors want more: they want to finish their careers undefeated.