In a thrilling high school basketball matchup, senior guard Dante Vigil delivered a dramatic buzzer-beater, leading Liberty High School to a 70-69 victory over Weston Ranch on January 8, 2026. Vigil’s layup capped a remarkable comeback, as Liberty erased a 10-point deficit in the final five minutes and overcame a 15-point gap earlier in the second half. The victory sent the home crowd into a frenzy, demonstrating the team’s resilience and determination.
Liberty, ranked 11th in the latest Bay Area News Group standings, struggled for much of the game, turning the ball over frequently and allowing Weston Ranch open shots. Despite this, Vigil stood out, scoring a game-high 32 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half. “I knew I had to go get a bucket,” Vigil reflected. “I did a hop step and got the layup. I just thanked God that I made it.”
The game began with Weston Ranch dominating, opening with an 11-0 run. Liberty managed to rally back in the second quarter, taking a one-point lead at halftime. However, the Cougars responded strongly, launching a 19-6 run to start the second half, which gave them their largest lead of the night at 57-42.
As the fourth quarter progressed, Liberty appeared on the brink of defeat, trailing by ten points with just five minutes remaining. Coach Rich Morton admitted he thought the game might be lost. “I’m gonna be honest, I was thinking that it was not our night,” he said. Yet, Vigil had other plans, spearheading a comeback that included scoring the Lions’ final ten points.
With only 20 seconds left after a defensive stop against Weston Ranch, Liberty opted to forgo a timeout. Vigil attempted a three-pointer that did not fall, but senior forward Brendan Beresford, who recorded 12 rebounds, tipped the ball back to him, keeping the possession alive. Vigil then set up a decisive play, ultimately finishing with a finger roll layup that sealed the game.
“Tonight’s game was just about rolling the dice with him and seeing what he can do,” Morton said. “We hit lucky seven with him, that’s for sure. Tonight was his night.”
Liberty’s victory marked their 14th win of the season, bringing their record to 14-2. The Lions are heavily favored to win the Bay Valley Athletic League, having secured the last four league titles. Vigil expressed hope that this performance would boost his confidence moving forward, stating, “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.”
In other notable games, St. Mary’s-Berkeley triumphed over Bethel with a score of 64-56, thanks to the impressive performances of CJ Baltrip and Donovan Mikel, who combined for 38 points. Meanwhile, in girls basketball, Acalanes dominated Berean Christian 68-13, led by freshman Millie Jones with a game-high 18 points.
As the high school basketball season unfolds, Liberty’s remarkable comeback exemplifies the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport, ensuring fans will eagerly follow the team’s journey in the weeks to come.
