LIBERTY — The Blue Jays used a massive fourth-quarter run over William Chrisman to snag third place in their home tournament, the C.W. Stessman Invitational. Liberty won 53-44 on Friday, Jan. 20.

MARYVILLE — Former Liberty High School basketball standout Bennett Stirtz is already making waves as a freshman on the Northwest Missouri State basketball team.

KEARNEY — Smithville utilized a strong second-half performance take third place in the Kearney Classic. The Warriors defeated Kearney (5-10) 54-42 on Friday, Jan. 13. Smithville (8-6) was led by star player Ryker Edwards, who dropped 27 points in the victory.

Editor’s Note: As part of our year-in-review sports coverage for 2022, we are featuring four unsung heroes of the athletic communities in Kearney, Liberty, Liberty North and Smithville high schools. These individuals, some you may know and some you may not, have contributed to our local spor…

KEARNEY — Throughout the game, all eyes started to stare at one player and one player only: Davin Hanna. The Kearney guard had a career night as he led his team to victory over rival Smithville on Tuesday, Jan. 3. The Bulldogs (4-7) defeated Smithville (5-4) 59-46.

LIBERTY — Winning the title was always going to be a tall task. Staley is the undisputed No. 1 team in the state and they showed it on Friday, Dec. 30. Liberty North fell to the Falcons 60-37 in the Holley Division Championship game of the William Jewell Holiday Classic.

LIBERTY — Beginning of the game struggles haunted Liberty in the third-place game of the William Jewell High School Holiday Classic Patterson Division. Belton defeated Liberty 52-48 on Friday, Dec. 30.

LIBERTY — The Blue Jays met North Kansas City in the semifinals of the Patterson Division of the William Jewell Holiday Classic on Thursday, Dec. 29. Liberty hung with the Hornets all afternoon, but fell short as they were defeated 56-43.

LIBERTY — It wasn’t the most beautiful basketball game ever played in the semifinals of the William Jewell Holiday Tournament, but for Liberty North, a win is a win. The Eagles defeated Fort Osage 35-24 Thursday, Dec. 29.

Editor’s Note: As part of our year-in-review sports coverage for 2022, we are featuring four unsung heroes of the athletic communities in Kearney, Liberty, Liberty North and Smithville high schools. These individuals, some you may know and some you may not, have contributed to our local spor…

LIBERTY — The Blue Jays opened their William Jewell Holiday Tournament account by defeating Grain Valley (5-3) on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Liberty (3-4) fell behind early in the game, but battled back to secure a 59-49 win.

LIBERTY — Liberty North earned a hard-fought win in the opening round of the William Jewell Holiday Tournament Tuesday, Dec. 27. The Eagles (6-2) defeated Lee’s Summit 45-41.

KANSAS CITY — Liberty is back on track after a challenging victory in the 12 Courts of Christmas event. The Blue Jays defeated Van Buren on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Liberty won by a final score of 71-60 over their opponents from Arkansas.

SMITHVILLE — Swish after swish after swish. It was relentless from Smithville’s Ryker Edwards Dec. 16. The Smithville basketball player finished with 40 points in the Warriors’ 82-43 win over Savannah.

LIBERTY — It was a successful week of basketball last week as Liberty North took part in their home tournament. The Eagles (3-1) finished by winning the third-place game against Basehor-Linwood by a final score of 54-27 Friday, Dec. 9.

KEARNEY — Outside of the basketball coach’s office in Kearney there is a list that shows the shooting stats from practice for every Kearney basketball player. The list is a way of holding players accountable, but also a way of motivating players. The amount of shots taken throughout the day …

LIBERTY — The Eagles began their home tournament on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Liberty North (2-0) faced off against Washington High School from Kansas. Liberty North used a hot opening quarter to pace them to an easy 61-27 win.

KANSAS CITY — The Eagles used stout defense and slow pace to set the tone in their first game of the season. Liberty North defeated Rockhurst 39-31 on Friday, Dec. 2.

SAVANNAH — The Bulldogs (2-2) used a quick start to take an early lead over the Warriors (1-2) in the third-place game of the Savannah Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 3. Kearney defeated Smithville 57-52 in the first outing of the Highway 92 matchup. This was the first in a possible five times …

KEARNEY — The Bulldogs have started the boys basketball season with a 1-1 record. They lost their opening game to Grandview Nov. 22 and bounced back with a win against Savannah on Tuesday, Nov. 29.