Game Audio Below:
The Liberty Eagles Boys Basketball Team traveled to Ava on Friday night, February 6th, 2026 after an incredible, one point win in overtime on Tuesday night vs. The Willow Springs Bears.
Eagles were able to dominate The Ava Bears on both size and defense, winning the matchup by a Final of 59-24.
1st Quarter: Liberty Eagles control the tip, Draydon Wells shoots the first wto points on the night eagles as they try to steal several times. On Ava’s first rebound, Junior Tavon Harvill scores on a two ball and after a foul call, Brock Swatosh scores at the free throw line. 2-1, Liberty Eagles with the lead.
Hunter tries to score on a two hander which doesn’t fall in, but baseline jumper by Draydon Wells is good. Rebound, Harvill for the Ava Bears puts the ball back in.
Another three by Wells and now Eagles, lead 6-2 with under five minutes to go in the game. A foul and swatosh goes to the line to shoot two more for the Ava Bears.
Bears are doing a good job dominating on offense, but are still turning the ball over quite a bit. Blayne Altermatt scores his first points on the night after getting the one point victory over the Willow Bears. This shot however is not a three pointer.
A three pointer yet to be shot in the ballgame so far.
Up until Alex Tune shoots the three and now Eagles lead, 12-6.
Altertmatt shoots another three and forces another Ava Bear turnover as Eagles lead 18-6 with under a minute to go.
Shot at the buzzer good by Paxton Hunter.
Liberty Eagles lead the Ava Bears, 20-6 after one.
2nd Quarter: Carter Ellett tries a three which falls short. On the next Ava Rebound; Sophomore Kennon Pitts scores his first two.
The Bears get a few more wide open looks but not enough for a steal. Draydon Wells with a great pass to Parker Tune is good as Eagles are playing with a very swift rhythm and getting the ball to the hoop.
Wells also crashes in on the next foul by the Bears.
Towards the end of the half; Eagles go through a short cold shooting spell. To their advantage, Bears are still leaving the Eagles fairly wide open.
HALFTIME- Liberty Eagles: 33/ Ava Bears: 11
3rd Quarter: Sophomore Jaxon Mendel gets the first two points for the Bears in the start of the half. Ball rebounded by Paxton Hunter who shoots two more. Bears get the ball back as Harvill shoots the first three pointer of the night for The Bears as they come back with some more momentum.
Both teams playing more tense defense as Paxton and Draydon are fighting harder to get a steal. Parker Tune who shoots a nice two.
Titus Jester comes into the ballgame for The Eagles midway through the quarter who sets up an offensive play. Eagles with the lead 45-18 with under 3, ½ minutes to go in the quarter.
Another field goal after two blocks by Blayne Altermatt. Bears trying to steal but slipping back into a cold spell.
Eagles maintained the lead after three, 51-18.
4th Quarter: Titus Jester with several cuts in for two as well as three field goals by Wells keep the dominance at peak level for Liberty as The Ava Bears are able to get of one shot by Sophomore, Kennon Pitts.
Ava Bears continue a steady line of fouls as Graham Tune and Draydon Wells take two more trips to the line.
A foul on The Eagles as Titus Jester picks up a foul. Pitts shoots two free through.
By this point, Ava cannot give Liberty an answer.
Liberty wins the ballgame by a Final of 59-24.
After their matchup vs. The Dixon Bulldogs in Saturday’s Liberty Legends Shootout, Liberty will have several games in the coming week;
Monday 2/9- vs. Bunker @ Bunker- Game Time, 7:30
Tuesday 2/10- vs. Cabool @ Home- Starting with JV @ 6:00
Thursday 2/12– vs. Licking @ Home- Game Time, 7:30
Friday 2/13- vs. Houston @ Home- Game Time, 7:30
All games will be on The Fox 96.9
