Big 10 Classic: Liberty Magnet vs. Evangel Christian
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Many of the faces have changed, but Liberty Magnet’s mission remains the same. If anything, the Patriots may only be even more determined. That drive showed as coach Brandon White’s team answered an early run from Evangel Christian (12-3) at…
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Continue ReadingMany of the faces have changed, but Liberty Magnet’s mission remains the same.
If anything, the Patriots may only be even more determined.
That drive showed as coach Brandon White’s team answered an early run from Evangel Christian (12-3) at Friday’s Big 10 Classic — hosted at Scotlandville as part of the HoopFests Tour — and took a stronghold en route to the 51-34 victory against the strong north Louisiana opponent.
Liberty Magnet (9-4) is working to replace five college signees from an ultra-talented 2022 class, including all-state first-teamer Jacob Wilson and honorable-mention Cameron Newman and all-district defensive MVP Quentin Henry.
But two of the returning contributors for last season’s Class 4A runner-up group showed why the Patriots are confident the program will remain a consistent contender this spring and annually.
Howard Gaskins Howard Gaskins 6'1" | PG Liberty Magnet | 2024 State LA Jr. (6’2″ | 2024)
The junior guard is the most familiar face for the Patriots, and the experience showed as he helped get the offense going in low-scoring first quarter and buckle down and take care of the ball late as Evangel tried furiously to make a final run. Gaskins finished with eight points, half of which came in the fourth.
Marquise McPipe Marquise McPipe 6'3" | SG Liberty | 2024 State LA (6’3″ | 2024)
Another junior guard and returning contributor, McPipe, led the Liberty’s balanced scoring efforts with 10 with his aggressive and physical work rebounding and scoring inside, including an emphatic third-quarter finish as the Patriots pulled away.
Jecal Bryant (6’4″ | 2023)
The long, lean athlete kept Evangel competitive with his inside-outside scoring ability and high motor and athleticism in the lane defensively and on the boards on both ends. Bryant finished with a team-high 11 points with a pair of 3-pointers with his smooth, confident stroke from deep, an inside basket and three free throws.