SPORTS
Garrison Clopton (#6) performed well defensively and added a goal in a 2-1 win over Progreso.
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT Thursday, January 9, 2020 Section B Page 1
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTOS
Senior midfielder Gerald Shoetan (#9) scored a goal in a 5-0 Liberty Hill victory against Alvarado in the Panther Cup.
Moving forward with confidence
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When Liberty Hill head boys’ soccer Coach Wayne Munger scheduled rugged competition for his club in the opening four games of the season at last weekend’s Panther Cup, it was a calculated risk. Either his side could gain valuable confidence with success or suffer morale-breaking defeats. What he got was a little bit of both. The Panthers finished the three-day event with a 2-2 record, defeating Progreso, 2-1 and Alvarado, 5-0, while losing to Midlothian Heritage, 4-3 and Palestine, 1-0. Against Midlothian, the Panthers fell behind by a 4-0
Liberty Hill boys went 2-2 at the Panther Cup
score, only to fight back to 4-3 on the strength of a Jaron Frye hat trick. An early Palestine goal, which was the result of a defensive mistake, cost the Panthers the game in a 1-0 loss to the Wildcats in a contest that Liberty Hill struggled to get back into once going behind, said Munger. “Palestine was very technical in how they moved the ball around,” he said. “It was a tough one.” A hard-fought 2-1 win against Progreso was the Panthers’ first victory of the new campaign and provided his squad with some much-needed confidence, said Munger. “We have a little bit of history against them,” he said. “We’ve
seen them the last few years at the regional tournament and we know they’re going to be between us and a state title, so going up on a quality team like them 2-0 was big for us.” After the Red Ants had pulled a goal back in the second half to make it a 2-1 game, a penalty was awarded after a Liberty Hill handball was called in the Panthers’ area, but senior goalkeeper Uriel Diaz made a spectacular save to preserve the lead and the eventual win, but Munger knows when the sides meet again, none of that will matter, he said. “Both of us will be different teams over the next two or three months,” said Munger. “Just because we beat them now, doesn’t mean we’ll beat
them next time.” The final matchup of the weekend saw the Panthers easily dispatch Alvarado by a 5-0 scoreline, as Frye scored another hat trick to go with one against Midlothian, scoring seven goals in the four games and staking his claim as the most dangerous striker in the region. “I think it’s going to be another good season for Jaron,” said Munger. A trio of Panthers including junior midfielder Graeme Nelson, along with a pair of sophomores -- midfielder Hayden Ersham and defender Garrison Clopton -- really impressed over the weekend, said Munger. “Graeme was definitely one
of the bright spots for us,” he said. “He got called up from the JV because of the injuries we’ve had and showed a lot of fight. Hayden and Garrison are really going to be good for us the next few years. I’m really happy to see the young guys doing what they are.” However, those three aren’t the only Panthers who are beginning to roar with regularity. “I think all of our young guys as a whole are stepping up,” said Munger. “Especially our sophomores who are becoming more confident and showing they can handle the physical side of the varsity game.” As for what he learned about his team from what transpired over the weekend, Munger said he’s pleased with how his
players are continuing to improve as they move forward. “We had some tough competition this weekend, but I think we progressively got better as we went along,” he said. “Also, it was a good conditioning test playing four games in three days, so overall, it was good.” Munger stressed finding weaknesses now will save suffering because of them later. “For the most part, I’d rather know what our problems are now,” he said. “The weekend was a good test for us early on and we learned a lot about ourselves.” After conceding four goals in the opener against Midlothian,
See BOYS, Page B3
Midfield maestros fuel Lady Panthers’ fire A quartet of players in the middle of the park make LHHS girls go
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Midfield is often referred to as the “engine room” of a soccer team. For, that is where everything passes through – whether offensively or defensively – as the play constantly unfolds during the course of a contest. Inside that ever-changing dynamic must be a group of players who possess all the critical qualities to properly influence the outcome of the proceedings. Passing, vision, control and leadership are only a few of the attributes needed to guide a side to victory. For the Liberty Hill girls’ squad, the quartet in the middle of the park consists of Emma Stephens, Mykenna Russo, Abbey Janicek and Madi Fuller. Each one has her own primary strength and when successfully blended together form a recipe for scoring goals at one end of the pitch and preventing them at the other. According to Lady Panthers head Coach Darren Bauer, his Fantastic Four forms an almost unbeatable combination – as if they are both immovable object and irresistible force all rolled into one. “We have players in our midfield who can do it all,” said Bauer. “All of them can shoot, pass, move and understand the game – they’re a complete package and each one of them adds something special to our team.” Fuller, who is the leading returning scorer from last season’s side with 26 goals and 30 assists, is the most aggressive and physical of the group, he
said. “Madi is all about hard work,” said Bauer. “She has all kinds of athleticism.” Janicek is the one who sees the field best and reacts accordingly. “Abbey has very good vision of the entire field,” he said. Stephens is the best of the bunch on the ball, with the ability to keep control while not slowing her run. “Emma has tremendous speed while dribbling the ball,” said Bauer. Russo is always the picture of composure. “Mykenna has control – that’s her in a word,” he said. Janicek said her role, as well as those of her midfield mates, must be on point at all times. “Midfielders have to be awake the entire game,” she said. “Even when there are little distractions, you have to figure it out.” A junior and team captain who chalked up eight goals and 10 assists last season, Janicek is a shifty player who is always trying to find even the slightest opening or weakness to exploit in an opponent. “I like to find passes that can penetrate the defense,” she said. “I have to be crafty and find different spaces to operate in.” Along with all her tangible responsibilities, Janicek and her fellow juniors on the roster must also fill the leadership void created by not having a single senior on the squad – something which only adds to what she must accomplish on the pitch, she said. “It’s a little bit different and a lot more pressure,” said Janicek. “I always have to make a
difference in the game – even if it means gathering the team to realize what we’re trying to do.” Despite off-the-field differences between various players, Janicek said when the ball is kicked off, all of that is left on the sidelines for the greater good. “We realize there are different cliques on our team,” she said. “But, when it’s time to play, we always come together.” Bauer added the midfield helps alleviate the strain on the strikers at the top of the formation, with its myriad skills. “Especially with our forwards – the way the midfield plays takes a lot of pressure off them,” he said. “All four always work hard to get the ball back when we lose it.” Janicek said one of the critical elements to running the show the right way is to utilize the wide-open spaces which sometimes exist when an opponent fails to keep its shape. “We have to make sure we use the entire field at one time,” she said. “Our holding midfielders have to see when someone makes a run forward and cover for them at the back.” All four players in the midfield must also have the ability to be able to both react to what happens, as well as be able to anticipate what might happen next before it does, said Janicek. “I think it’s a mixture of both,” she said. “All four midfielders know what each other likes to do to the point where we can almost see what’s going to happen next and then SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
See LADIES, Page B2 Abbey Janicek (#5) has excellent field vision in finding openings in opposing defenses.
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THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
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Panther Cup lives up to expectations
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor As the early-morning sun illuminated Panther Stadium the morning of Jan. 2, a brisk wind swept across the pair of pitches as the ball was kicked off for the second annual Panther Cup and what we saw unfold over the course of the weekend certainly didn’t disappoint. Three days, 14 teams, 28 games. Both the Liberty Hill girls and boys were in action, as the respective Purple-and-Gold squads played host to teams from far and wide in providing top-drawer competition to kick off the new campaign. One footballer who definitely enjoyed himself was Panthers junior striker Jaron Frye. All the lad did over the three days was score seven goals including a pair of hat tricks in a 5-0 victory against Alvarado and a wild, 4-3 defeat at the hands of Midlothian Heritage. Frye is the kind of player who you feel is going to make something happen every time he touches the ball, with a deadly combination of explosiveness, anticipation and speed. Plenty of speed. All a teammate needs to do is send a nicely-weighted ball beyond a defender and Frye will simply turn on the jets and blow past as if he was negotiating a practice cone. Next thing you know, he’s in on goal. Or when he’s already got the
ball at his gifted feet and is flying down the flank with a defender closely marking him, only to slam on the brakes and execute a spin move before cutting back across his man and continuing upfield. Suffice to say, Frye will be terrorizing opposing defenses all season. As a team, the boys went 2-2 for the tournament, dropping their opening two games by scores of 4-3 and 1-0 before bouncing back with victories against Progreso (2-1) and Alvarado (5-0). Panthers head Coach Wayne Munger has already had injuries to deal with as Kegan Taggart looked more like Conor McGregor after a championship bout, the result of a clash of heads with an opponent, which required eight stitches and kept the sophomore striker out of the lineup for the remainder of the weekend. Another starting sophomore, midfielder Sean Snelgrooes, also picked up an ankle knock which prevented him from finishing the tourney. So, squad depth already came into play, but no worries, as junior Graeme Nelson morethan-ably stepped in for his injured teammates and didn’t miss a beat, skillfully doing his duty. The game against Progreso was easily the most compelling of the weekend, as the Panthers took a commanding 2-0 lead on goals by sophomore midfielder Garrison Clopton and Frye (who else, right?) before the Red Ants (maybe the greatest team mascot ever) pulled one back in the second half to halve the deficit. At that point, it was game on
for both sides, who proceeded to engage in a physical battle for the remainder of the contest, complete with rash challenges and even a row on the pitch when after the Progreso goal, a Red Ant decided to retrieve the ball from the back of his own net and refused to give it up as he nonchalantly strolled back to the center circle for the restart – something the home side didn’t take too kindly to. Finally, in the 70th (and final) minute of play, Frye was back defending a desperate lastchance saloon attack in the Liberty Hill area when a shot rang in which caromed off his hand for a penalty. Now we had high drama in Pantherville and it was up to senior goalkeeper Uriel Diaz to save the day for the home side, which he did with a dare-wesay Panther-like reflex save at the death to preserve the lead and ultimately the victory. Sorry, but whenever we hear “Progreso,” we think of soup (yeah, we know, it’s two Ss), but close enough! Anyway, at the end of the day, a split of the four matches was probably a fair result and definitely a good gauge for Munger to evaluate his players against rugged competition. All that and we haven’t even mentioned the Lady Panthers yet! Head Coach Darren Bauer’s club picked right up where they left off last season as in not conceding goals at one end of the pitch while filling the net at the other. Liberty Hill outscored the opposition 13-0 over the four games played and incredibly only won two of them as the
Playing ‘The System’
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
Don’t tell Kegan Taggart soccer isn’t a physical sport, as this gash sustained during the Panther Cup required eight stitches.
middle two matches ended in scoreless draws. Goalkeeper Sam Carter was brilliant between the sticks and continues to collect more clean sheets than a freshly-stocked linen closet for a side who only allowed 11 (count ‘em, 11!) goals all last season. However, following a 7-0 beatdown of North Lamar in the opener, which saw sophomore striker Emma Stephens and junior forward Piper Tabor each netted a brace (that’s two goals for the uninitiated), the goals dried up for the next two games in which neither side scored. So, in the finale on Saturday afternoon, it was a freshman who stepped to the forefront in the form of rookie striker Kailey Fowler. All she did was her very best Jaron Frye impression in picking up a hat trick in a 6-0 victory against Copperas Cove (which sounds like an “X” on a treasure map in “Pirates of
the Caribbean”) and for all the fight the Bulldawgs (not spelled with a “w,” hear that, Burnet?) Captain Jack Sparrow may as well have been playing all 11 positions on the pitch after an all-night bender. Anyway, Fowler was aggressive all game long and became more and more hungry after she scored her first of the game and then her second, until she finally completed her hat trick with the kind of flair which belied her relative lack of experience at the high-school varsity level. Remember, this is a club who advanced all the way to the Class 4A state championship game last season only to fall short, which has made this year’s version that much more focused on a return trip this time around to close the deal and lift a trophy. Both the girls and boys finished third for the weekend in their respective seven-team fields, which was more than
respectable, as Midlothian Heritage took home the title on both sides of the gender line. In fact, only the Jaguars’ plus17 goal difference was better than the Lady Panthers and the only game they didn’t win was the 0-0 draw against the hosts, so job well done, ladies. On the boys’ side, winners Midlothian only conceded four goals all weekend and three of them were off the boot of Frye in the Panthers’ 4-3 loss in the tourney opener for both sides. So, all in all, very impressive performances on both sides and the best part is we’re only getting started, people! Soccer season is a long and winding road, filled with ups and downs, emotional swings and purple (and gold) patches, as well as rough going – something which should be embraced as one immerses oneself. Panther Cup was an excellent start and bravo to those who made it happen.
High-intensity is the name of the game for Panther basketball
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor A quarter-century ago when Barry Boren was head coach at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, an assistant coach of his at the time approached him with an idea. “We had finished 15-15 two years in a row, but our team was very fundamentally sound,” said Boren. “One of my assistants, Jeff Burke, said to me, ‘You know, I think we can play this way.’” But, at first, Boren wasn’t so sure. “I had already had success coaching different ways,” he said, of the new concept, which included full-court pressure and constantly running the floor. “So, at first I was skeptical, but as a coach you’re always looking for an edge.”
However, once he began to comprehend how it worked, it began to make sense in Boren’s basketball brain, he said. “How it works is if you play a team you should normally beat by 10 points and you have an off-night shooting, you might only beat them by two,” said Boren. “But, if you play this way, you still might win by 20.” “The way” is simply known as “The System.” Call it what you want. Organized chaos. Helter-Skelter. Hair-on-fire hoops. However one chooses to describe how the Panthers play, one thing is for sure. If you’re an opposing team, your fitness level better be high because you’re going to do a lot of running. Not to mention it works. In fact, all it took to sell Boren
Emma Stephens (#8) is the Lady Panthers’ best dribbler and is very difficult to get off the ball.
Ladies
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one of us has to react. We’re very hard to break down as a midfield because of the different styles of play each one of us has.” Midfielders are counted on to be every bit a provider as well as a scorer when the situation dictates, but Janicek said she definitely prefers to find the back of the net herself – under certain conditions, that is. “I definitely like attacking more than defending,” she said. “Also, I’d much rather
score a goal than get an assist – but only if it’s a good one like into the upper corner or something.” Of the four, Russo is new to the team this season, but the other three were all members of the Lady Panthers’ squad who were defeated in last year’s Class 4A state championship game by Stephenville by a score of 2-0, one of only three losses they endured over the course of the entire campaign and Janicek said the
was a simple practice scrimmage between the varsity and junior varsity – the first time his team played the system under game-like conditions. “We spotted the JV 50 points to start the game,” he said. “We ended up scoring over 100 points and blew them out – that made me a believer. We decided to implement it right before the season began that year.” At the time, the Bears had never been to the playoffs in 32 years of competing in Class 4A against more athletic teams from bigger schools, but now that the new system was in place, things began to change for the better – and in a hurry. “We started beating people by 25 or 30 points,” said Boren. “It was just relentless pursuit
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTO
Carson Perkins (#4) runs the Panthers’ system from his point guard position, one which he’s See SYSTEM, Page B6 been playing for seven seasons.
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTOS
Madi Fuller (#7) plays with an unmatched intensity and isn’t Mykenna Russo (#3) controls everything in the midfield with an afraid to shoot from distance. excellent understanding of the game. disappointment of that loss has fueled them as they looked forward to and got ready for this season. “What that did was really light a fire under us coming into this season,” she said. “Even our young players who weren’t on that team watched and saw how much it hurt us.” Two years ago, Liberty Hill lost in the state semifinals, while last season the Lady Panthers got one step closer to a title only to fall short in the
final, so according to Janicek, the next logical step in the progression is to finally lift a trophy this time around. “We got bronze the year before last and silver last season,” she said. “So, this year we’re looking to get gold.” Janicek then broke down the strengths of her midfield teammates, beginning with Fuller. “Madi loves to run – all you have to do is hit a ball forward and she’ll go and get it – she plays with a real fire,”
she said. “Emma (Stephens) is really good on the ball and it’s hard to get it away from her and Mykenna (Russo) is always in between all of us looking for passes and keeping everything calm.” When all four are clicking on all cylinders, it’s simply a joy to be a part of, said Janicek. “It feels really good,” she said. “Everything is crisp and sharp like you’re running all over the field.” So, what’s the one element
a good midfielder must have over all else? “Work ethic,” said Janicek. “You always have to go forward, but also track back to cover ground defensively.” One word to describe the four? “Dynamic,” said Bauer. “All of them are very determined and want to win gold this year.”
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PANTHER OF THE WEEK
Panther midfielder a steady hand
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Jessie Anaya always wanted to be a Panther. Growing up and spending life in Liberty Hill will do that to a young lad, especially one who has had a soccer ball at his feet for as long as he can remember. “I started playing soccer when I was two years old,” said Anaya, a junior midfielder and team captain. As one of the players counted on to anchor the middle of the Panthers’ park, Anaya relies on proper positioning to make up for a lack of pace and although speed isn’t necessarily his strong point, he can certainly keep his engine running long after others have run out of fuel. “I’m not the fastest player,” he said. “But, I can keep on running.” Anaya began running cross country in the fall in order to maintain his fitness level throughout the offseason and it has definitely added to his overall game, which ultimately helps the team and is what he’s all about. “For me, it’s about being a part of something bigger than
myself,” said Anaya. “As a team, we go through everything together.” During Liberty Hill’s season opener against Midlothian Heritage at the Panther Cup on Jan. 2, Anaya and his teammates quickly fell behind by a score of 4-0, but by game’s end had reduced the deficit to 4-3 – a defeat, but a fightback nonetheless. “I think when we started that game, we weren’t ready,” he said. “But, then out of nowhere, something clicked – which is what we try to work on every game.” Anaya only scored three goals last year during his sophomore season, but contributed a teamhigh 12 assists, which suits him just fine, he said. “I like scoring goals, but I love getting assists,” said Anaya. “Because when other guys score goals, it puts a smile on their faces.” A midfielder’s role is to attack, while also remaining defensively responsible, but there’s no doubt on which side of the center line Anaya’s heart is. “I definitely prefer attacking,” he said. As far as what he prefers in
the classroom, the choice is clear, but not because of the material, said Anaya. “Physics,” he said. “But, the reason I like that class so much is (teacher Aaron) Russo because of how he tells us something is going to happen and then explains the concept.” Anaya added many people are surprised to find out he moonlights as a cross country runner. “I don’t think many people expect that,” he said. “But, it really helps me with soccer.” Being a part of the close-knit group which makes up the Panthers’ cross country squad is also something Anaya’s enjoyed, he said. “We have a pretty good family,” said Anaya. “We really connect well, then after the races is when the real fun begins.” Anaya said finally being a Liberty Hill soccer player after always aspiring to be one has been every bit as rewarding as he could’ve possibly imagined. “Being here feels really good,” he said. “It’s lived up to SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO everything I always thought it Jessie Anaya (#12) also runs cross country for the Panthers in order to stay in better shape for was going to be.” soccer.
Walker twins work wonders on the basketball court
Cheryl Gauthier, left, signed a national letter of intent to play golf at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs alongside mother Chong at Liberty Hill High School on Dec. 18. (Courtesy Photo)
Gauthier signs with University of Colorado for golf
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor Ever since Cheryl Gauthier first picked up a golf club, she had a dream of competing at the college level. Now, that dream has become a reality for the Liberty Hill senior, who signed a national letter of intent to play golf at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on Dec. 18 at Liberty Hill High School. “Ever since I started playing golf, I always wanted to play in college,” said Gauthier. “There was a huge gap for me until now because I didn’t know where I was going to go.” Gauthier said she’s happy to be moving to a more agreeable climate for her liking. “I really don’t like the heat here,” she said. “So, I wanted a change of scenery.” Exchanging Texas Hill Country for the Rocky Mountains will certainly provide her with exactly that – and an opportunity to pursue her passion – although that wasn’t always the case. “I started playing golf when I was four, but then stopped when I was seven because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” said Gauthier. “But, then when I was 11 in sixth grade, I started playing again.” Suffice to say, the rest has been history since she returned to the fairways. “With golf, I feel like I’m involved in a really unique sport,” she said. “I find appreciation in things most other people don’t and golf requires
a different kind of etiquette – and I really like different.” But, that doesn’t mean she wasn’t open to other activities, listing tennis, drums, piano and ballet as other things she tried out before sticking solely with pars and birdies. But, now as she moves on to a higher level of competition, she knows she can’t be complacent with her game, she said. “I know I’m going to have to step up and refine all of my skill sets,” said Gauthier. “In college, you’re up against other people whose passion is golf and who put all kinds of time and effort into the game.” Gauthier added she has aspirations of someday playing on the LPGA Tour, but for now will concentrate on an engineering degree in order to propel her professional life away from the course. “I’m really interested in cyber security and where I’m going is close to the Air Force Academy,” she said. “So, I’m hoping that can lead to opportunities.” Back on the course again, Gauthier said another aspect of the game she enjoys is the fact it’s a one-on-one competition between golfer and course and the fact it’s all on her shoulders as far as if she succeeds or fails. “I really like the idea of only having myself to rely on,” she said. “You have to work so hard, but then the hard work, time and effort pays off – it’s all about self-reliance.” According to Gauthier, the
mind and body challenge golf presents her with is one of the most fascinating aspects of her love affair with the game. “Your body and muscles are all trained to react a certain way,” said Gauthier. “But, sometimes you have to tell yourself you need to change your state of mind and think about what your goals are, but you have to be careful because it’s really easy to overthink everything.” As far as her time as a Liberty Hill golfer is concerned, Gauthier said it’s something she certainly hasn’t taken lightly. “During my time here, I’ve seen myself change so much as a person,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of people come and go who really care about the sport and who put as much into it as I do. Everyone’s always been so supportive.” With the recent success at the college level of other former Panthers such as Parker McCurdy, John Baker and Donny Harper, Gauthier is simply hoping to maintain positive Purple-and-Gold momentum. “It makes me really happy to see other people I’ve known get to move forward with their careers,” said Gauthier. “Hopefully, I can do the same.” Finally, Gauthier said she couldn’t have accomplished what she has without the help of her coaches over the years. “My coaches always told me I was capable of this,” she said. “Moving forward, I hope to fulfill those expectations.”
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor When one watches a Lady Panthers basketball game, there’s a good chance a red blur will fly past at some point chasing opponents around and wreaking havoc for whoever dares challenge them on the hardwood. Not one blur, but two. Regan and Madison Walker are sophomore guards who provide the Liberty Hill girls’ basketball squad with a two-(red) headed, energetic, hard-working machine. By the way, they’re identical twins. So, that means opposing players and coaches aren’t seeing double when both are in the game at the same time – no, it’s simply twice as much to handle. Different, but the same. According to Madison, having a teammate who is a sibling provides a comfort level that transcends the typical player relationship. “It’s cool because we have a bond and I can talk and communicate with her,” said Madison. “What that does is make our bond even closer.” Regan said the sisters allow each other the freedom to critique one another as far as their respective on-court performances. “She always helps tell me what I need to do better,” she said. “So, it’s good to have someone who’s always pushing me hard to do better.” So what’s a pointer that has been exchanged along the way? “I think Madison doesn’t shoot enough,” said Regan. “She has a pretty good shot.” On the other hand, Madison is more than happy to dish the ball to her sister when the opportunity presents itself, she said.
BOYS
ALEX RUBIO FILE PHOTOS
(ABOVE) Madison Walker (#4) plays point guard for the Lady Panthers with a physical style in driving to the basket to either pass or shoot the ball. (BELOW) Regan Walker (#3) is a shooting guard who also brings defensive intensity to the court.
“I’ve always played point guard,” said Madison. “She’s the shooter.” Both played other sports in their younger years, including volleyball and gymnastics and the pair still compete in track for the Panthers, but it’s on the court where they found their
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shoring up his side’s defense was the primary order of the day, said Munger. “We solved our defensive problems after that one, but we’re still deciding whether to play three or four at the back,” he said. “It’ll probably depend on who we’re playing.” Lessons were also learned at the other end of the pitch. “We learned we need imme-
diate support going forward and putting guys up there,” said Munger. “We also need to improve our holdup play and our defensive organization as well as our attacking.” In the game against Alvarado, Munger said his charges were suffering from a bit of fatigue. “We were only up 1-0 at halftime and I think we had tired legs,” he said. “But, it
true athletic calling, said Regan. “When we got to high school, we decided to pick one sport and focus on it,” she said. “We both like basketball, so that’s what we did.”
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was good for them to be out there like that and be able to get in the groove.” Along with Frye’s hat trick against the Indians, senior midfielder Gerald Shoetan and junior striker Ethan Minix also found the back of the net in the 5-0 victory. Liberty Hill (2-2) will next face a road game against Hutto on Jan. 10.
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BOYS SOCCER
Liberty Hill third at Panther Cup
Jaron Frye had a hat trick in Liberty Hill’s season-opener at the Panther Cup on Jan. 2, but the junior striker’s heroics proved to not be enough in a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Midlothian Heritage. “It was a tough game,” said Frye. “We were a little bit lazy in the first half, but then we started to pick it up.” Unfortunately, by the time the Panthers awoke from their early-game slumber, they found themselves in a 4-0 hole, but slowly began to claw their way out of it. In the 56th minute, Frye converted a penalty to get the home side on the board and the goal seemed to ignite the Panthers’ attack. Ethan Minix fired a shot on goal, which was saved by the Jaguars’ goalkeeper, but soon after, it was Frye who once again found the back of the net after breaking in on goal and beating the keeper with an expertly-placed shot to make it 4-2. Only moments after the restart, Frye fired a shot from the left wing which cannoned off the crossbar, but in the 69th minute, he wasn’t to be denied his hat trick. After the Panthers had won a free kick just outside the area, Frye stepped up a sent a screamer along the surface which passed through the Midlothian wall, then caromed off the outstretched hand of the keeper before banking in off the post and a 4-3 score. However, that was all for the Purple-and-Gold as the visitors killed off the rest of the game. According to Liberty Hill head Coach Wayne Munger, his club struggled to remain resolute defensively in the first half. “The biggest thing for us was we needed to be tighter with our marking,” said Munger. “It wasn’t until we began to get in better positions, we started to succeed and found our way back into the game.” As for the goal haul Frye provided on the day, Munger is confident his star striker is only getting started. “Jaron’s going to have a lot of goals in him,” he said. “He attracts so much attention, it opens things up for his teammates.” Frye attributed the second-half turnaround to better communication. “Our defense started talking to one another,” he said. “We can take a positive from this and learn from our mistakes.” Frye scored 33 goals last season and is already well on pace to shatter that this campaign. “I’m real excited about it,” he said. “There are a lot more to come.” LHHS 2, Progreso 1 Whenever Liberty Hill and Progreso meet on a soccer field, it’s usually a rough-and-
THE LIBERTY HILL INDEPENDENT
tumble affair and Friday afternoon at Panther Stadium was no different. Garrison Clopton and Jaron Frye scored in the 18th and 30th minutes, respectively, in a 2-1 victory against Progreso for Liberty Hill’s first win of the new season. However, after the Red Ants had pulled one back in the 54th minute to make it 2-1, the game came down to a penalty in the 69th minute, which was awarded to Pregreso after it was deemed the Panthers’ Gerald Shoetan had committed a handball in the Liberty Hill penalty area. Up stepped the Progreso shooter, but Panthers senior goalkeeper Uriel Diaz was equal to the task in smothering the low shot and sweeping it aside to preserve the lead and moments later, victory was secured. Munger said Diaz was the right man in the right situation. “Uriel’s a really good reaction keeper,” he said. “He made a great save.” Frye already has four goals in the new campaign’s first three games and the Liberty Hill bench boss is confident in his main striker, said Munger. “If Jaron’s on the field, we know he has goals in him,” he said. Munger added games like this one is what will ready his squad for eventual rough patches which await down the road as the season unfolds. “Sure, you want to get a comfortable win,” he said. “But, situations like this make you better – it builds a lot more confidence.” As each passing game goes by, Munger believes his club is gaining the experience it needs to be able to compete against tougher sides. “It’s a matter of everyone getting comfortable with each other,” he said. “We want to keep improving and know the style of play which works best for us and gives us a chance to win games.” Palestine 1, LHHS 0 After conceding four goals in their season-opening defeat to Midlothian Heritage on Thursday, Munger knew he needed to shore up his side’s defense. So, he did. However, the attack dried up and the result was a 1-0 loss to Palestine in Liberty Hill’s second game of the Panther Cup on Friday. After the Wildcats struck late in the first half for the only goal of the game, the visitors managed to hold off the hosts the rest of the way. Munger was pleased with the defensive effort, but knows his club must be on at both ends of the field. “We did a lot better defensively and solved our issues there,” he said. “But, we still have to transition to our attack better – that was our biggest learning point – we have to be solid defensively before we worry about our attack.”
Injuries have plagued the Panthers early on, as sophomore striker Kegan Taggart (cut over eye) and sophomore defender Sean Snelgrooes (ankle) were hurt in the Midlothian game, which has forced Munger to juggle his lineup. “We have to take care of ourselves and keep people healthy,” he said. Liberty Hill 5, Alvarado 0 On Saturday, the Panthers wrapped up the weekend with a 5-0 defeat of Alvarado as Frye had his second hat trick in three days to go with single strikes from Gerald Shoetan and Ethan Minix to finish off the scoring.
GIRLS SOCCER
Lady Panthers third at home tournament
If Thursday’s 7-0 victory for the Liberty Hill girls’ soccer squad over North Lamar in the opener of the Panther Cup is any indication, the Lady Panthers are picking right up where they left off last season. SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTOS As in scoring goals and plenty (TOP) Jaron Frye (#10) scored seven goals in four games during the Panther Cup. (BELOW) Rhett Hofmann (#3) was strong defensively for the Panthers over the weekend. of them. Sophomore forward Emma Stephens and junior striker Piper Tabor led the way with two goals each as the home side easily outclassed their visiting namesakes. Stephens opened the scoring for the Lady Panthers, a goal which was quickly followed by another from Mykenna Russo for an early 2-0 advantage and the Purple-and-Gold only piled on from there. In the 21st minute, Stephens gathered up the ball and broke in on the North Lamar keeper, only to deftly chip the ball over the fallen netminder and in for a 3-0 lead, which was where proceedings stood at the half. However, it didn’t take long at the outset of the second half for Liberty Hill to build on its lead. Tabor scored both of her goals in quick succession in the 41st and 42nd minutes for a 5-0 lead, which were added to by strikes from Athena Brown in the 49th and Mia Macias in the 69th, the latter of which was a speculative effort from outside the area which beat the keeper for the final margin. At the opposite end of the pitch, junior goalkeeper Sam Carter kept a clean sheet, only being forced into a single save and was pleased with the efforts of her teammates in front of her, she said. “A win like this gives our team a lot of confidence,” said Carter. ‘It shows us what we’ve been working on in practice works during a game.” Despite the one-sided scoreline, Liberty Hill head Coach Darren Bauer used the result as a measuring stick moving forward. “We still have a lot of areas we need to work on,” he said. Rachel Stark (#20) moved the ball past a North Lamar player during a 7-0 Liberty Hill victory at “But, I’m happy with how we the Panther Cup on Jan. 2.
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Thursday, January 9, 2020
Runnin’ Panthers extend winning streak
By SCOTT AKANEWICH Sports Editor The Panthers hosted Lorena Tuesday and had little resistance from the visitors in a 6140 victory, their third in a row. Kadin Knight led Liberty Hill with 12 points on the evening, while Walker Baty added 11 and Carson Perkins and Kaleb Bannon each chipped in with nine. The Panthers led 18-5 after one quarter, as Perkins and Knight both hit 3-pointers,
which propelled the home side into a second stanza that saw them carry a 28-15 lead to the half. In the third quarter, the Panthers really came alive offensively, out scoring the Leopards by a 20-9 margin, as Bannon hit a pair of threes in the period, increasing the lead to 48-24. The fourth quarter allowed Liberty Hill head Coach Barry Boren to get his reserves valuable playing time and one
Twins
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Briefs
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One of the critical factors in the decision-making process was the overall dynamic of the game compared to others sports, said Regan. “I like the speed of the game and the faster pace it’s played at,” she said. “There’s always a lot going on.” Like any siblings, there is a rivalry that exists between the twins and it extends beyond basketball, said Madison. “We compete to see who can get the best grades in school,” she said. Speaking of school, while the Walkers may wear the same uniform on the court, these days they dress differently off it, but that wasn’t always the case, said Regan. “We used to dress exactly the
kept our shape offensively and defensively today.” Bauer said it was a relief to finally play a meaningful game after four weeks of training and scrimmages. “We love this first weekend of the season – it’s always great,” he said. “Now, we can all start to have fun.” Bauer singled out sophomore defender Alyssa Lee for a job well done on the day. “Alyssa’s not a center back by trade,” he said. “But, she played well and will gain confidence.” Carter said she and her teammates are already beginning to see all their efforts come to fruition. “We showed how our team has really bonded,” she said. “Even with our relationships outside of soccer – we work together.” LHHS 0, Midlothian Heritage 0 Sometimes in soccer, scoring chances are difficult to come by and the 0-0 draw between Liberty Hill and Midlothian Heritage on Friday at Panther Stadium was a perfect example. However, early on in the contest, it looked as if the Lady Panthers would break on top as they bossed possession and kept the Jaguars’ defense off-balance with slick, smooth passing as they attempted to breach the Midlothian goal. But, the home side failed to seriously threaten, with the exception being a Madi Fuller effort in the third minute which was saved by the Jaguars’ keeper. Liberty Hill goalkeeper Sam Carter matched her counterpart at the other end of the pitch and then some, making a series of saves which kept zeros on the scoreboard, as the play shifted in the visitors’ favor after they had weathered
System
same up until about third or fourth grade,” she said. “Now, we still have all the same clothes, but we never wear the same thing on the same day.” From a culinary standpoint, their likes are similar except for one distinct difference. “I like chocolate and she doesn’t,” said Regan. “But, Mexican food is definitely our favorite food.” Of course, as identical twins, even their voices are the same, which is something they will sometimes exploit in causing a bit of mischief – and it will even work on those who know them better than anyone, she said. “Sometimes, one of us will call home and our parents won’t be able to tell which one
the early Panthers storm and the game was scoreless at the half. Piper Tabor shot wide in the 46th minute, followed by another from Abbey Janicek in the 61st which also missed the net and the rest of the game played out without any serious scoring chances at either end. Bauer said he wasn’t surprised at the lack of scoring in the game. “This is the third time we’ve played them and have had two scoreless draws and a 1-1,” he said. “Every single time, chances are few and far between.” Bauer attributed the offensive stalemate to a similarity between the sides from an organizational standpoint. “Both of our teams are really strict with our midfields,” he said. The Lady Panthers have yet to concede this season after Thursday’s 7-0 victory against North Lamar and Bauer said what he’s seen so far gives him a clearer picture of where he and his squad go from here as they move forward. “We have ideas now of what we want to accomplish,” he said. “We also learned our freshmen are capable of the physicality of the varsity level.” In particular, midfielder/forward Kaylie Fowler, defender/ midfielder Kassidy Contreras and defender Bella Jaimez stood out against Midlothian, said Bauer. “Kaylie played really well today – whenever I tell people she’s only a freshman, they can’t believe it and today she took a giant step forward,” he said. “Kassidy also played well and Bella was really aggressive.” Bauer added the belief of his players in themselves and what they’re capable of con-
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of the ball – if we lost the ball, we would press until we got it back, we shot a lot of threes, got a lot of layups and shot a lot of free throws.” Fast-forward to the present and Boren is now in his 18th season as Liberty Hill head coach and has elevated the system to an art form – using the court as a canvas to paint a picture of discipline, togetherness and intensity. Carson Perkins is a senior point guard on this season’s Panthers and is the trigger man at the controls of the Purple-and-Gold’s high-octane offense. “We always try to be more fast-paced,” said Perkins. “As for me, I have to make decisions quicker in breaking down defenses.” Perkins said it’s usually a matter of the Panthers doing their thing and letting the opposition react in dealing with what unfolds on the court. “Basically, we run our system and it’s more about executing
our game plan,” he said. “It’s all about team play and moving the ball.” However, due to the precision needed to run the Panthers’ system, it’s even more critical for all five players on the court at a given time to be in concert with one another, said Perkins. “When our timing gets thrown off, the plays aren’t executed to their full potential,” he said. “When a play breaks down, then I have to look for driving lanes and an open pass. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll just back it out and reset.” The system is implemented at the lower levels of Liberty Hill basketball, so players are properly indoctrinated long before they reach the highschool level and Perkins is certainly no exception, as he has been running it for seven years – but that doesn’t mean there is ever a mastery, he said. “We’re always adding new stuff, so there’s always learning going on,” said Perkins. “But, of course, there are
player who took advantage was senior JC Russell, who hit a pair of buckets down the stretch in helping the Panthers close the deal and pick up a comfortable victory. Boren was pleased with the balanced scoring he got from his squad. “We have three guys averaging double-figures and several others who are capable of it on any given night,” he said. “Guys like Walker Weems and Hunter Clayton, for example,
which allows our post to just go and get rebounds.” With the business end of the season looming, the veteran bench boss is using these final few non-district games to finetune his club, said Boren. “We’re right on the cusp of district play,” he said. “So, we’re fixing our rotations and getting points from everyone.”
of us is talking,” said Regan. “We can do the same thing with our friends at school.” Both have all the same classes – although not together – but that doesn’t mean the two still don’t spend plenty of time together over the course of an average day. “We’re probably together about 15 hours every day,”said Madison. All of that shared space can sometimes cause friction, she said. “Like recently when she asked me if I had fed our cat and I couldn’t remember,” said Madison. “When something like that happens, we’ll be mad at each other for about 30 minutes, but then we’re good again.”
Perhaps the most distinct difference between the two is which hand each one uses to fire shots at the basket. “I’m left-handed and she’s right-handed,” said Madison. Of course, there will always be common misconceptions about identical twins, said Regan. “People will think we can read each other’s minds,” she said. “But, we can’t.” Despite the fact the Walkers are so close in everything they do, down the road the two will follow their own respective paths, said Regan. “I think at some point, we’ll go our separate ways,” she ALEX RUBIO PHOTO said. “But, it’s always good to Kadin Knight (#12) scored 12 points in the Panthers’ 61-40 have someone to be with.” home victory against Lorena on Jan. 7.
tinues to grow. “Our girls are starting to realize we lost some pretty big players from last year’s team, but they can be just as good if not better,” he said. “Last season, it wasn’t any one player who did it for us.” LHHS 0, Melissa 0 On Saturday morning, the Lady Panthers played their second consecutive scoreless draw in a 0-0 contest against Melissa, as junior goalkeeper Sam Carter recorded a shutout. LHHS 6, Copperas Cove 0 Kaylie Fowler is only a freshman, but you wouldn’t have known it as the Lady Panthers’ striker scored a hat trick in a 6-0 victory against Copperas Cove on Saturday. In the 10th minute, Fowler got on the end of an Emma Stephens corner kick to just head the ball over the crossbar and only two minutes later, Stephens broke in on goal and coolly slotted home low to the keeper’s left for a 1-0 Liberty Hill lead in the 12th minute. Fowler had her third chance at goal in the 14th minute, then scored her first varsity goal only a minute later, connecting on a Stephens cross for a 2-0 Lady Panthers advantage. At this point in the proceedings, the chances were coming thick and fast for the home side, as Bryden Bourgeois tried her luck from distance in the 16th minute before Madi Fuller to be in on goal only to be stopped by a smart tackle in the area in the 17th. However, it was only a matter of time before the Purple-andGold broke through the Copperas Cove defense and it was midfielder Mykenna Russo who did the honors, netting in the 21st minute for a 3-0 lead. Mia Macias was in alone in the 33rd minute, only for the keeper to smother the ball, but not before a collision which
certain staple plays we have which I really know well by now.” Perkins said there’s nothing quite like when the Panthers’ system is firing on all cylinders. “When we’re really clicking, it’s great,” he said. “We’re making shots and running through our entire offense – it sets the pace of the game and even when we turn the ball over, we get it right back.” But, offense is only half of the game. The intensity is ratcheted up even more on the defensive end of the court – which is the entire floor, by the way. “We’re constantly trying to get in the passing lanes on defense,” said Perkins. “We’re always moving.” All that constant frenetic motion tends to take its toll – not only on the opposition, but on the Panthers as well, which is why fitness is even more critical than for a team which runs an orthodox system, he said.
LHHS 54, St. Michael’s 50 On Jan. 3, the Panthers faced a road game against St. Mi-
chael’s and emerged with a 54-50 victory, as Perkins led the way with 15 points, while Baty added 12 and Knight 10. The visitors got out to an 1812 lead after one quarter, as Perkins hit a trio of 3-pointers out of the gate and following a strong second quarter, the Panthers had a 29-19 halftime lead. Liberty Hill led 41-34 after
three, but were outscored 1613 in the fourth by the Crusaders. However, the Panthers hit 10-of-15 free throws down the stretch, which provided the winning margin. Liberty Hill (16-6) will next face Wimberley at home on Jan. 10 before opening district play at Salado on Jan. 17.
SHANNON HOFMANN PHOTO
Kailey Fowler (#9) scored a hat trick in the Lady Panthers’ 6-0 win against Copperas Cove. sent both players sprawling on the surface. Fowler then scored her second of the contest in the 35th minute with a smooth finish and a 4-0 halftime lead for the Lady Panthers. Once the game re-started, it didn’t take very long for Fowler to finish off her hat trick, as she scored in the 36th minute for a 5-0 lead before Piper Tabor closed out the scoring with a goal in the 50th minute to provide the final margin. Fowler said as soon as she scored her first goal of the game, it made her hungry for additional scoring. “When I score a goal, it makes me want to get more and more,” she said. “Getting a hat trick feels really good because I’m only a freshman.”
According to Bauer, Fowler is only beginning to scratch the surface of what she’s truly capable of. “Kaylie keeps building in confidence,” said Bauer. “She’s learning how we want to play and that she needs to play that way not only when she wants to, but when she needs to. But, she’s only a freshman and has four entire years to continue to grow as a player.” The Lady Panthers have yet to concede a goal this season through the first four games and have outscored the opposition by a 13-0 margin, including a pair of scoreless draws against Midlothian Heritage and Melissa in the middle two games of the Panther Cup this weekend. Bauer said his squad pro-
duced a mixed bag of results despite remaining unbeaten. “We struggled and we had some strong games,” he said. “But, we’ve identified areas which we need to tighten up.” Putting to good use during games what is worked through on the training ground is a big part of his team’s early-season progression, said Bauer. “They’re beginning to understand some of the things we’ve been working on in practice,” he said. “Which is the big thing we take from this weekend – taking steps forward because it’s not how you play in January that matters, it’s how you play in district and the playoffs.” Liberty Hill (2-0-2) will next play in the Grizzly Classic in Leander on Jan. 9-11.
“Now that I’m conditioned, I’m used to it,” said Perkins. “But, at the beginning of the season, I wasn’t in basketball shape and you can’t really replicate the running you do in games in practice.” When Boren first instituted his system all those years ago, he knew he had to rotate his players in rapid fashion in order to keep them fresh late in games, something he still does – but not as he once did, he said. “We would substitute systematically and have our players out there for two-and-a-half or three-minute increments,” he said. “But, we’ve adjusted that over the years.” Boren reiterated the synergy necessary to ensure everything comes off without a hitch. “Everybody has to work in sequence,” he said. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link, which is why we constantly put ourselves in those positions in practice so we can establish a rhythm of play be-
cause our offense is only good when the ball moves – it’s kind of like dancing – you can’t dance without rhythm.” Naturally, there are always naysayers who question whether or not the system is a practical way to play the game, but Boren doesn’t give them any credence. “There are people who say you can’t sustain playing that way,” he said. “Sure, it’s a possibility, but I look at our football team and how they do things – it’s all based on the kind of athletes you have.” Boren said earlier in his coaching career, he used to require a certain number of passes before a shot was taken or only allow two dribbles before shooting, but most important is he wants the right players taking aim at the basket, he said. “Bottom line is we want our shooters to be taking shots,” said Boren. The veteran coach recalled how in his first season at Lib-
erty Hill, things didn’t go so well, but it wasn’t long before the tables turned in a favorable direction. “Our first year here, we were 4-19,” he said. “But, I told our parents before the last game of the season their sons were practicing just as hard at the end of the season as at the beginning – there was real buyin. The next season we were 28-8.” Ever since, Boren’s teams have been unflappable, making the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons, including 12 district championships. So, apparently, the system works. After all these years, he’s not going to change any time soon, he said. “It’s not that I can’t teach half-court, man-to-man basketball,” he said. “But, in the end, I don’t know if we would be good enough.”