A basketball doubleheader between City High and Liberty was an exciting occasion for all in attendance, but it wasn’t the most important aspect of the evening.
Known as the “Mental Health Awareness Night,” City High and the Liberty women’s basketball team advocated for change in many ways.
City High players wore shirts that read “Tomorrow Needs You.” Liberty wore an “OS14” shirt to honor beloved student Owen Skelly, who committed suicide last year.
Before the game, players and coaches from both teams gathered on half court to observe a moment of silence for those affected or lost their lives due to mental health issues.
Liberty coach Jaime Brandt said having the opportunity to spread that message is of the utmost importance.
“It’s always really special to play for something bigger than basketball,” Brandt said. And I could honor the awareness that came from him, that was high school basketball, and it was really special.”
City High coach Lindsey Bernard said this is a chance for kids to show they care.
“There’s a huge stigma around mental health in athletes,” Bernard said. “We are tough and we are taught to respond in a certain way. It is hard for anyone, especially an athlete, to say they are vulnerable and need help. It’s important to look first as students and then as basketball players. Second, while it’s natural to want to win basketball games, there is no rivalry more important than our children.”
Here are the big points from Friday’s game:
Liberty Girls win with strong defense
The Lightning, renowned for their offensive prowess, had to try a different approach in Friday’s defensive duel against the Little Hawks. Liberty won the women’s game where he won 39-25.
Brandt said her team appreciates challenging games.
“If we can win a game when Jasmine[Bernie]has seven points, it says a lot about our team and how deep we are.” says that we can be someone different every night.
Sophomore Janessa Mosley led the team with a season-high eight points. Mosley said her teammates encouraged her to take the extra step.
“Offensively, I feel like we could have attacked more,” Mosley said. “Most of my energy comes from my teammates and their support. My teammates do something good that drives me to play my part in attack and defense. .”
Municipal women’s offense conceded in the second quarter
Going into the second quarter at 9-5, the game was still within reach for the Little Hawk girls. However, they failed to drop a shot.
In the second period, City High were dominated 11-4, with two points coming from sophomore Augie Palmer’s layup and the other two from sophomore Emmy McComas and freshman Tessa Driscoll’s free throws. was given.
Littlehawks coach Lindsey Barnard said his confidence in the team remains unwavering.
“No matter what happens in the game, it doesn’t change my mind about what we can do,” Bernard said. “Really, it’s about doing what we can for the whole game. If we can do that, we’re going to steal the game against one of these really talented teams.”
Da’Shon Fisher carries the Liberty Boys’ offense
Senior Da’Shon Fisher, one of the top scorers in the Mississippi Valley Conference, forced his will against the normally tough City High defense. He led all players with 34 points in his 67-56 men’s victory over Liberty.
Fischer said his mentality is to help the team in any way necessary.
“Obviously, I feel my best when I’m playing 30-plus point games,” Fisher said. I know I can, I can promote the ball, I can defend it, I can rebound, and I will do whatever it takes to help my team get the win. “
Lightning coach Ryan Kelly said having Fisher would be a game changer.
“He makes me look really good,” Kelly said. I think he helps us a lot with his attacking ability and athleticism on the descents and one of the things that I’m really happy about about him is that he’s starting to trust So if the team double-teams him or starts focusing on him, he believes his teammates will open up.
Municipal high school boys’ late game push proves too little, too late
Aside from a dismal offensive showing in the first quarter (just 9 points in total), both teams had a good scoring night by typical standards.
What kept the Liberty on top for most of the night was the fact that the Lightning continued to attack for the remaining three quarters. The Little Hawks, on the other hand, were a bit of a letdown as they had multiple offensive possessions throughout the game.
Coach Brennan Sweiser said the Littlehawks have been a resilient team this season, but you can’t always count on a late rally to save them.
“One thing about my men is that we compete,” Sweizer said. Because we’re not taking the time to execute our attacks or make the right decisions on our passes, and that leads to turnovers.”
