GALT, CA (MPG) - The victory was a fitting tribute to three seniors who have helped to build the Hawks into a league championship program, and it served as a powerful statement heading into a playoff run that could end on the grandest stage in Sacramento basketball.

Before the opening tip, seniors Madisyn Robbins, Haley Smith and Peyton DeSalvatore were honored alongside their families in an emotional ceremony recognizing their contributions to the Liberty Ranch program. Three seniors may be a small class, but their impact on this team has been immeasurable.

Once the celebration concluded, the Hawks took care of business in emphatic fashion. Liberty Ranch exploded out of the gate, outscoring Galt 16-0 in the first quarter and never looking back. The Hawks extended their advantage to 28-3 by halftime before continuing to pour it on in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 20-5 to put the game completely out of reach. Galt’s stats had not been posted at time of deadline.

Senior Haley Smith delivered a standout performance on her special night, finishing with 13 points while dishing out six assists and recording three steals. Smith’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been a hallmark of her career, and her Senior Night performance was a perfect reflection of the complete player she has become.

 

Galt’s Nella Feilbach jumps for the ball against Liberty Ranch’s Madisyn Robbins.

Senior Madisyn Robbins was equally impressive, contributing 12 points while pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds and recording a remarkable 11 steals. Her defensive intensity disrupted everything Galt attempted offensively, and her three assists added to an all-around effort that perfectly encapsulated her value to the Hawks.

Senior Peyton DeSalvatore, while not appearing in the scoring column, contributed seven rebounds and two assists, demonstrating the selfless team-first approach that has defined her career at Liberty Ranch.

Junior Kamrynn Blevins provided offensive support with 10 points and four assists, while freshman Lacey Smith added six points and sophomore Cruz Gregorio chipped in four points and three assists. The depth of Liberty Ranch’s roster was on full display throughout the evening.

The victory capped a regular season in which Liberty Ranch once again claimed the league championship. But the Hawks have their sights set on something much bigger: a repeat section championship.

 

The crosstown teams battle for the rebound.

Having captured its first-ever section title last year, Liberty Ranch is hungry to defend that crown. The Hawks enter the playoffs as the second seed and have already advanced to the semifinals, where they will face third-seeded West Campus on Tuesday. Win that game, and the Hawks will play for the section championship at the Golden 1 Arena on Friday: the home of the Sacramento Kings.

The prospect of returning to that stage has energized the entire Liberty Ranch community. For the three seniors honored on Senior Night, the opportunity to close out their careers with a repeat section championship would be the ultimate reward for years of dedication and hard work.

The Hawks have the talent, depth and momentum to make that dream a reality. With Robbins and Smith leading the way and a deep roster of talented underclassmen supporting them, Liberty Ranch is playing its best basketball at exactly the right time.

The Golden 1 Arena awaits. The Hawks are ready to defend their crown.