The Liberty Hurricanes inched their way back into the second half of the District XI Class 6A boys basketball semifinal to defeat Whitehall, 40-35, on Feb. 25 at Easton Area Middle School.

“It took a lot of patience, but credit our kids for staying in and hanging in there, and our staff for showing composure throughout the course of the game,” said Liberty coach Nigel Long. “Credit Whitehall. We knew, going into this thing, we played them earlier in the season, and we felt like they were one of the better teams in our league. I’m not surprised with the success they’ve had over the past couple weeks, so we knew this would be a battle and I’m just proud of our guys. We gave ourselves an opportunity to play for gold on Saturday.”

Momentum started to shift toward the Hurricanes with four triples in the third quarter thanks to Jarrell Teague, Luke Heffernan, and Jake Pukszyn, who had two.

Although Whitehall led at the end of the first three quarters, Liberty rose to the challenge in the fourth.

“Our coaches said, ‘How bad do you really want this?’ said Liberty senior Quin Lucas-Bishop (6 points), “so it was just a matter of our communication, effort, and energy.”

Lucas-Bishop gave the Hurricanes a one-point lead to start the fourth quarter and scored two more points on an offensive rebound.

“I had a slow start, so all I needed was that little kick and realize what I’m really playing for, playing for others,” Lucas-Bishop said. “They’re a good team, and it was a good game, but we had to stay locked in. I just keep trying to play with effort, and that’s what happens. We’ve been through a lot on and off the court this season, so having that bond and having that brotherhood kept us together and kept it going.”

The senior center made a nice block for a turnover, but the ball ended up back with the Zephyrs who were unable to capitalize on the play.

Liberty’s Samir Brown, however, put the Hurricanes ahead, 36-33, with 1:50 left in the game.

Whitehall senior guard Talon Dogmanits fouled out earlier in the quarter, and substitute Cole Richards was injured on a drive to the basket.

“That was a big change in the game,” said Coach Long, regarding Dogmanits. “He’s a multisport athlete, really talented, really successful, a champion, and he’s the head of the snake for them. He’s their leader, so for him to be out of the game, that was big.”

Just as big for the Hurricanes were the offensive offerings by seven players.

“That’s when we’re at our best,” Long said, “when we have contributions from everybody, and as the game went on, everybody was confident towards the end of the game, which was good to see.”

Whitehall’s Jack Lloyd brought the Zephs within one point, but the Hurricanes milked the clock for over a minute when Brown was fouled and sank both free throws with 21.3 seconds left.

“I was a little surprised (Whitehall didn’t act sooner),” said Lucas-Bishop. “I knew there was gonna be heavy pressure because we had a slight lead, but they kept their composure, and it was a good stretch.”

Teague sealed the win for Liberty with two free throws to end the game.

“Celebration, elation, jubilation because it takes a lot to get here, and I’m just so proud of our kids and our coaching staff, and we got a great crowd. Our student section came out, which was great to see and our administration, so, we’ve got one more,” said Long, with regard to the district final.