ANTIOCH, CA - In a battle between two of the hottest teams in the North Coast Section, it was Antioch which emerged victorious at home in the Bay Valley Athletic Opener for both teams, defeating Liberty, 83-76.
The Panthers (10-7, 1-0) trailed by three points at the end of one quarter, but exploded for 27 points in the second quarter to forge a 40-36 lead at the half. Eric Donaldson and Keenami Maggard had eight points each in the second quarter, and finished as two of four Antioch players in double figures, with 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Senior Jack Harris caught fire for Liberty (12-4, 0-1) in the third quarter, however, scoring seven of his 12 points during those eight minutes, as the Lions cut the lead to two points heading into the fourth. Senior Ben Smith was also a steady presence all night for Liberty, dominating the post with a game-high 22 points.
Antioch pulled back away in the fourth, though, as Donaldson hit two more of his four three-pointers in the final quarter, and Solomon Bland - who had an unusually quiet night with seven points - hit all four of his free throws down the stretch. Henry Sires, who had a big first half for the Panthers, led the team with 21 points, and opened things up early in the game.
"I was able to drive to the basket, and my teammates found me in transition," Sires said. "From there, we had to stay aggressive and mentally strong throughout the game."
Jayvewon Quinn capped the four players in double figures for Antioch with his 11-point effort.
"Once we started playing like a team and sharing the ball, we have been putting up points and getting four guys in double figures rather consistently," said Antioch coach Andrew Riva. "Our assists have gone up and it just helps create the energy we need to play at a faster pace."
The victory was the eighth straight for the Panthers, who started the season slowly, missing a few players and not yet on the same page. Their victory on Friday night interrupted a stretch for Liberty, in which the Lions had won 11 of 12 games.
"Our current win streak is not something we talk about. We just want to keep the focus on the next game," Riva added. "But it is a validation that we are heading in the right direction this time of year. We are definitely the same team that started this season 1-6."
Antioch will get back in action next Friday, when the Panthers host Freedom, who opened BVAL play with a win over Deer Valley. Liberty will host Pittsburg next Friday, after the Pirates opened league with a loss to defending champion Heritage.
