Liberty advances, Discovery goes for repeat in county tournament

Guyren Nabors of Liberty defends in action against Buckhorn
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)

HARVEST-  Sparkman Middle School was the site for one of the best days of the basketball season for Liberty Middle School of Madison. At the Madison County Tournament the LMS eighth grade girls started the run with a 23-13 upset win over Discovery.

They advance to play Meridianville Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5:15 p.m.

The LMS boys followed with an impressive 48-29 victory over Buckhorn Middle. They advance to play Sparkman at 7:45 also on Jan. 21. The games are at Sparkman Middle.

Discovery, the second seed had a bye and will get into action at 6:30 that same night.

Liberty was led by Michael Crutcher with 17 points and Jauquez Chairs with 14.

Both will have to play their best if LMS is to overtake top seed Sparkman.

“Both play good defense and know what to do when they get the ball,” said Liberty coach Michael Harper. “They play hard throughout the game and with a lot of energy.”

The win seemed to energize the team as they now get an extra week of preparation.

“We’re not satisfied with just this one win, I feel we have the ability to keep going,” Harper said. “We played with a lot of energy against Buckhorn and that is what we have to do to win ball games.”

Sparkman has defeated Liberty twice in close games this season. One win was by six and the other by five points.

“We’ve played two tough games with them this season. They are very well-coached and play great defense,” Harper said. “We’re excited to keep playing and make the semi-finals and a chance to play for a championship.”

Discovery is trying to repeat as county champions after winning the tournament last year. The Panthers are led by a high scoring pair of big men Demontrez Brown and Gavin Lewis. Chase Fiddler is a wing player who leads the team in three-point baskets.