Liberty has last basketball teams standing as state playoffs tip off

The Lions have their boys and girls squads playing in the Class 2A state quarterfinals.

Once again, Liberty basketball has a pair of regional champions.

In fact, make it 3 in 4 seasons for the Lions' boys and girls teams, who each captured 2A West Region 1 titles this week. The girls defeated Southern of Anne Arundel County 54-38 on March 1, and the boys took down Century 73-56 on March 2 -- both games held at Liberty's gym.

Carroll's final hoops teams reside in Eldersburg as the playoff shifts to the state level.

Liberty's girls go first when the Lions (12-10) travel to Kent Island (24-0) today at 5 p.m. for a 2A quarterfinal. The Lions lost in the elite eight a season ago, 33-30 against Williamsport.

Here's how they got to the state tourney this season.

 

Meanwhile, Liberty's boys faced Century for a third time this season and turned a would-be classic (what else is new between these rivals?) into a lopsided victory thanks to a big fourth quarter.

The Lions (19-5) visit Walkersville (22-3) on Saturday at 4 p.m. in their 2A quarterfinal.

It's a rematch from Dec. 13, when Liberty hosted the Lions of Frederick County and lost 49-47. Liberty fell to 2-2 that day -- the Lions have gone 17-3 since.

Should be a good one in Walkersville. Let's check out how Liberty made it back to the elite eight.

 

One final note you may find interesting -- the basketball program has a pair of siblings enjoying this state tournament journey as varsity players.

Liberty's boys team features senior guard Derek Goff and senior forward Cam Hodges, while the Lions' girls roster includes sophomore guards Kourtney Goff and Haleigh Hodges.