GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks girls’ basketball team’s dream of returning to Golden 1 Arena for a repeat section championship came to a heartbreaking end Monday night when they fell to third-seeded West Campus 63-53 in a semifinal thriller that wasn’t decided until the final minutes. Despite a valiant comeback effort that had the Hawks within one point late in the fourth quarter, West Campus pulled away to advance to the section championship.

The Hawks entered the game riding a wave of momentum, having dominated their first two playoff games. Liberty Ranch cruised past Sacramento 76-49 in the first round before dismantling Amador 64-18 in the quarterfinals. A section championship rematch at Golden 1 Arena seemed well within reach.

 

Head Coach Karrin Blevins instructs during a timeout.

The game started as a true battle between two evenly matched teams. The first quarter ended in a 19-19 deadlock, setting the stage for a dramatic evening. With one minute remaining in the first half, the score was still tied, but West Campus found its rhythm in the closing seconds and took a 33-25 lead into halftime.

The Hawks refused to fold. Liberty Ranch clawed its way back in the third quarter, outscoring West Campus to pull within three points at 42-45 heading into the fourth. The comeback was complete enough that with 5:10 remaining, the Hawks had pulled to within one point at 48-49, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and putting the Golden 1 dream back within reach.

But West Campus, led by the outstanding Naomi Johnson, had other plans. The senior poured in a game-high 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting, adding seven rebounds and four steals in a performance that ultimately proved to be the difference. Junior L. Justice added 18 points and a remarkable 19 rebounds, giving West Campus a dominant inside presence that Liberty Ranch couldn’t contain down the stretch. With 1:55 remaining, West Campus had pushed the lead back to six at 52-58, and the Hawks couldn’t recover.

 

Hawk Madisyn Robbins gets those points in a pinch.

Senior Haley Smith led Liberty Ranch with 19 points, hitting three three-pointers and converting six of nine free throws in a gutsy performance. Smith’s 67% free throw shooting and eight rebounds reflected her determination to keep her team in the fight until the final buzzer.

Senior Madisyn Robbins contributed 14 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting performance, while freshman Lacey Smith added 12 points and eight rebounds. The Smith sisters combined for 31 points, doing everything they could to carry the Hawks to victory. The sight of senior Haley and freshman Lacey competing together on this stage was one of the evening’s most compelling storylines, with both leaving everything on the floor.

Junior Kamrynn Blevins finished with two points but contributed seven assists, consistently finding open teammates and keeping the Hawks’ offense moving. Sophomore Cruz Gregorio added six points off the bench.

Cruz Gregorio battles her way into the key. 

Liberty Ranch was outrebounded 36-27, and West Campus’ ability to dominate the glass proved crucial in the game’s final stretch. The Hawks’ 12 turnovers also contributed to their inability to complete the comeback.

While the loss stings, the Hawks’ season isn’t quite over. Liberty Ranch now advances to the state playoffs, where the team will have the opportunity to compete against the best programs in California. The experience gained in this hard-fought semifinal loss will serve them well as they prepare for the next challenge.

The Golden 1 dream may have to wait another year, but for this Liberty Ranch team, the best may still be ahead.

 

Freshman Lacy Smith is ready to score three.