Liberty Hill Secures Spot in State Championship After Defensive Victory

LIBERTY HILL, Texas — In a tense Texas 5A Division 2 state semifinal matchup, Liberty Hill emerged victorious with a 44-33 win over Barber Hill, showcasing an impressive defensive performance, especially in the second half.

Liberty Hill, now boasting a 36-4 record, struggled in the first half, trailing 22-18 at the break. However, the team tightened its defense, allowing Barber Hill only 11 points in the final two quarters, a strategy that proved crucial for their success.

Senior Gabby Mundy led the scoring for Liberty Hill with 19 points. Her performance solidified her status as one of the state’s top players this season. “We knew we had to step up defensively in the second half. We focused on containment and not letting them get easy shots,” Mundy said.

Looking ahead, Liberty Hill is set to face Lubbock Monterey, which holds a 35-5 record, in the state championship game on Saturday at 11 a.m. central. The challenge will be significant, particularly due to the presence of Aaliyah Chavez, ranked as the nation’s No. 1 girls basketball player. Chavez has been a force on the court, averaging over 35 points per game this season.

This season, Chavez has recorded multiple games with over 30 points, including a standout performance where she scored 45 points against El Paso Burges. Despite her remarkable statistics, Chavez remains uncommitted to a college program but is expected to announce her decision on March 25. The schools reportedly in contention for her commitment include Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

As Liberty Hill prepares for this pivotal game, Coach Kelly Tatum emphasized the importance of maintaining their defensive strategy while also preparing for Chavez’s offensive capabilities. “Our team has worked hard all season to get to this point. We need to stick to our game plan and remain focused,” Tatum stated.

The anticipated championship showdown will take place at The Long Center: Dell Hall, promising an exciting encounter between two talented teams vying for the title.