Basketball briefs

Liberty plays well in losses to Class AA schools in Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament

By RICHARD A. ROSS

WARWICK, NY - A team’s net worth is not always a product of its won-lost record, especially when it comes to playing up against bigger schools in non-league tournament games.

That sums up Liberty’s 78-64 loss to Class AA Warwick and its 52-49-overtime loss to Class A Wallkill in the consolation game of the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament.

Liberty got balanced production from André Brand, Rashaun Sellers and Lakarri Byrd in the tourney opener as the trio poured in 19, 17 and 17 points respectively.

According to Liberty coach Dave Slater, the game was much tighter than the score would indicate. Liberty actually held the lead with two-and-a-half minutes to go, but went cold in the final minutes as Warwick blew by for the eventual win.

In the consolation game, Byrd posted a game-high 28 points, but the Indians didn’t get the same kind of production from its bench.

In addition, both Class AA schools had many players to sub in, while Liberty carried only a couple of more players than the bare minimum.

Wallkill was paced by R.J. Ponesse, a player that gave Monticello fits in last year’s Class A quarterfinals. Warwick ended the Panthers’ season with a victory in that game. Cornwall defeated Wallkill 54-43 in the tournament final.

Liberty, which is rife with talent this year, will face another challenge on December 14 as it takes on Class B rival John S. Burke Catholic at home. Burke is coming off a 48-40 win over Pine Bush. The Eagles return big man Kyle Byrons and have added former James I. O’Neill standout guard Derrick Stanton to their arsenal.