In an electrifying finish, senior guard Dante Vigil delivered a game-winning layup as time expired, leading Liberty High School to a thrilling 70-69 victory over Weston Ranch on January 8, 2026. The win capped off a remarkable comeback for Liberty, which had trailed by as many as 15 points earlier in the game.
The contest took place at Liberty’s home gym in Brentwood, California, where a dramatic fourth-quarter rally propelled the team to victory. With just five minutes remaining, Liberty faced a daunting ten-point deficit, but Vigil’s determination changed the course of the game. He finished with a game-high 32 points, including the final ten points for his team.
Liberty’s Unlikely Comeback
Liberty struggled for much of the game, falling behind early as Weston Ranch opened with an impressive 11-0 run. Despite a strong second quarter that allowed Liberty to take a narrow lead at halftime, the Cougars surged back to dominate the third quarter, establishing a 57-42 advantage.
The pivotal moment arrived when Vigil, who had been coming off the bench, stepped up during the final minutes. With time running out, he attempted a three-pointer that rattled off the rim but was kept alive by senior forward Brendan Beresford, who tipped the ball back to him. Vigil then executed a clever jump stop before finishing with a finger roll, sealing the win.
“Tonight’s game was just about rolling the dice with him and seeing what he can do,”
said Liberty head coach Rich Morton. “We hit lucky seven with him, that’s for sure. Tonight was his night.”
Key Contributions and Future Prospects
In addition to Vigil’s standout performance, junior point guard Jaiden Miller added nine points, while Jacob Fullard contributed eight. Liberty’s victory improved their season record to 14-2, and the team remains a strong contender in the Bay Valley Athletic League, having won the last four league championships.
Vigil’s performance marks a significant turnaround, snapping a cold shooting streak that had lasted since the winter break. Reflecting on the game, he stated, “Having 30 points and getting a buzzer beater is very hard to do in high school. I just feel accomplished that I was able to do it.”
This thrilling game not only showcases Vigil’s skills but also highlights Liberty’s resilience. With the momentum from this victory, the team looks poised to continue its successful season as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the league.
In other notable matches, St. Mary’s-Berkeley defeated Bethel 64-56, led by CJ Baltrip’s impressive double-double. In the girls’ basketball division, Acalanes dominated Berean Christian with a decisive 68-13 victory.
