The Liberty Blue Jays won the CW Stessman Tournament Friday night by beating Olathe East 53-45. It complied a solid tourney week for the Jays. They beat three quality teams in winning the championship. "I said before the tourney started, that this is one of the best tournaments in the region and I believe that was evident this week. I witnessed some very good teams, who were well coached. It led to some great match ups and exciting basketball. We were fortunate to win it. It took a lot of effort and concentration," stated Coach Stirtz.
The Jays battled their way to a 3 point halftime lead, 20-17. After the Jays got off to a quick start with leads of 8-2 and 14-8, the Hawks of Olathe East played well in the second quarter and cut the deficit to 3 by half. The Hawks came out early in the 3rd quarter to capture the lead by knocking down some deep threes. Then it was the Jays turn with big 3s by Marshon Norfleet and Christian Brinser to regain the lead. The Hawks closed the quarter with 2 impressive dunks but Bryan Adams had the final say with a rebound, full court speed dribble and jam at the buzzer to pull the Jays within 2 points 33-35 heading into the final 8 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, the Jays played their best basketball at both ends of the floor scoring 20 points and holding Olathe East to 10 points. JT Nixon's opening shot of the quarter, a 3 from the top of the key, continued the momentum given to the Jays by Adams' dunk. Then some outstanding hustle plays by Norfleet, Adams, and Nixon allowed the Jays to get second shots at the basket and extend the advantage. Jordan Lewis' free throws (4-4) helped the Jays seal the win. Denton Koon's 15 pt, 9 rebound effort led the way.
Koon's play during the week earned him a spot on the All-tourney team and Nixon's selfless hustle and defensive toughness won him the Hustle Award.
"We're proud of our squad. The defensive effort and concentration is improving. We're taking steps in the right direction. Offensively, we're taking better care of the ball, getting to the foul line more often and our spacing and picks are progressing in the motion offense. Now it's time to take what we've accomplished this week and build upon it in the upcoming weeks," remarked Coach McCabe.
Adams' buzzer beating dunk:
The Jays battled their way to a 3 point halftime lead, 20-17. After the Jays got off to a quick start with leads of 8-2 and 14-8, the Hawks of Olathe East played well in the second quarter and cut the deficit to 3 by half. The Hawks came out early in the 3rd quarter to capture the lead by knocking down some deep threes. Then it was the Jays turn with big 3s by Marshon Norfleet and Christian Brinser to regain the lead. The Hawks closed the quarter with 2 impressive dunks but Bryan Adams had the final say with a rebound, full court speed dribble and jam at the buzzer to pull the Jays within 2 points 33-35 heading into the final 8 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, the Jays played their best basketball at both ends of the floor scoring 20 points and holding Olathe East to 10 points. JT Nixon's opening shot of the quarter, a 3 from the top of the key, continued the momentum given to the Jays by Adams' dunk. Then some outstanding hustle plays by Norfleet, Adams, and Nixon allowed the Jays to get second shots at the basket and extend the advantage. Jordan Lewis' free throws (4-4) helped the Jays seal the win. Denton Koon's 15 pt, 9 rebound effort led the way.
Koon's play during the week earned him a spot on the All-tourney team and Nixon's selfless hustle and defensive toughness won him the Hustle Award.
"We're proud of our squad. The defensive effort and concentration is improving. We're taking steps in the right direction. Offensively, we're taking better care of the ball, getting to the foul line more often and our spacing and picks are progressing in the motion offense. Now it's time to take what we've accomplished this week and build upon it in the upcoming weeks," remarked Coach McCabe.
Adams' buzzer beating dunk:
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