Team Preview: Liberty Patriots

<p>It seems like a lifetime ago that the Liberty Patriots were a made free throw away from knocking off 8-time defending state champion Bishop Gorman. They went on to lose at the buzzer in the greatest high school game, I’ve witnessed during my time at PH. After losing a season, a superstar, and a coach, the Patriots return. While they can’t do anything about the season or replacing [player_tooltip player_id="797129" first="Julian" last="Strawther"] who is now at Gonzaga, they have found a coach. Kevin Soares returns to Henderson, and he’s looking for a title. "My goal at the start of each season is the same... win the state title" It seems like a perfect match for a program starving to take their place as the state’s powerhouse. The coach, who is still the all-time assist and steals leader at UNR believes that reaching that goal depends on two things. "We have to stay healthy and everyone has to buy into their roles" The beautiful thing is those roles are filled with stars. The Patriots roster includes the state’s current #1 player in the class of 2022 and 2024, the #5 player in the class of 2023, and the #5 player in the class of 2022. On paper, the squad looks loaded, but as the hall of fame coach reminded me "Championships are won in February" </p> <p><strong>HC: Kevin Soares 1st Year</strong></p> <p><strong>Division 5A</strong></p> <p><strong>2019-2020 Record 20 - 7</strong></p> <p><em>Returners: </em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Joshua-Jefferson11.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1181452 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Joshua-Jefferson11-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="787643" first="Joshua" last="Jefferson"] <em>6’6 PF 2022</em> - Jefferson will be one of the top players in the state. The forward has terrific hands and is one of the top rebounders on the West Coast. He is masterful with his back to the basket, providing the Patriots with a true low post option. He’ll stretch the floor with his ability to play pick and pop basketball. Jefferson is on the short list of potential Gatorade players of the year. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Newcomers: </em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Cole-Ellena.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1289630 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Cole-Ellena-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1057906" first="Cole" last="Ellena"] <em>6’9 C 2024</em> - Ellena will add size and low post defense to the squad. He’s a prospect with a ton of potential, and many scouts around the West, have grown enamored with his length and size. The high academic performer sees his primary role as "Backing up Josh (Jefferson)". In addition to his size, Ellena has a 4.0 GPA, making him an even more intriguing prospect. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Mason-Muir.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1289631 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Mason-Muir-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1120027" first="Mason" last="Muir"] <em>6’2 SG 2022</em> - Muir is a transfer from Washington. He’s got good size for the position and should help out at both backcourt spots. His ability to handle, and shoot, will be in high demand, and he has the ability to provide instant offense off the bench.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kaden-Casterlliro.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1289632 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Kaden-Casterlliro-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1041556" first="Kaden" last="Castillero"] <em>5’10 PG 2024</em> - Castillero is a floor-spacing PG, that played well this summer on the PrepHoops circuit. A high IQ PG, Castillero sports a 3.9 GPA, to go along with his jump shot. He’s a confident player that feels like the Patriots are "Good enough to win state" </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Angelo-Kambala.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1289637 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/Angelo-Kambala-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="989243" first="Angelo" last="Kambala"] <em>5’10 CG 2023</em> - Kambala is a transfer that is expected to make a huge impact. A good two-way player, Kambala is one of the top on ball defenders in the state. He’s a good scorer, adept at finishing in transition and knocking down open 3’s. Kambala’s arrival provides the Patriots with even more firepower, giving them one of the top Backcourts in the state. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Sleepers: </em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Aaron-Price1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1181206 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Aaron-Price1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"] <em>6’7 PF 2022</em> - It’s been a long wait, to watch one of the top players in the state get on the floor. Price is a high-flying, high academic player that is ready to leave his stamp on the season. Although individually talented, Price sees the biggest key for his team reaching their goal is "Playing as a team". His high wire act combined with Jefferson’s low post scoring give the Patriots one of the top frontcourts in the state. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Top Prospects: </em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Dedan-Thomas-Jr1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1181296 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Dedan-Thomas-Jr1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="986955" first="DJ" last="Thomas"] <em>5’10 PG 2024</em> - Thomas is a special prospect, whose debut was delayed last season. He’s the perfect PG for the team, as Thomas’ best skill may be his ability to control the pace of the game. He’s also a deadly outside shooter who should help open the floor for Price and Jefferson. He’s a winner who always seems to find a way to make the correct play. At 5’10 he’ll sometimes go on the block and score if that’s what’s needed for his team. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>