LHS boys see win streak snapped
Liberty’s 10-game win streak came to an end last week when the Hurricanes fell to Northampton 49-37. Despite the loss, the hot run the Hurricanes endured through the month of January was the type of progress that head coach Nigel Long has enjoyed watching up close.
“We have found ways to dig deep and win close games,” said Long. “Our team defense has really anchored us over the course of the season. We have so much room for growth as we enter late January and into our conference schedule.”
The Hurricanes (15-4) were giving up 46 points a game on average during their win streak, but the play of Jake Pukszyn also elevated Liberty.
Pukszyn has averaged 15 points a game this year, but exploded as of late, scoring 28 points in a win over Nazareth, 36 points against Allen and 22 points over the weekend against Hazleton.
“Jake is a special person and player,” Long said. “He’s incredibly competitive yet very unselfish. He has a unique ability to make others around him better. This season we have asked him to lead us in scoring which he’s done a great job of, however, he still finds ways to involve and empower his teammates offensively.”
Liberty’s offense had an off night in their recent loss to the K-Kids, as they were shutout in the third quarter of the game.
With the race for the top spot in the EPC playoffs up for grab, Liberty sits behind Pocono Mountain West (16-2) and Central Catholic (17-2) in the league standings.
Long is confident in his group, but wants to see them continually get better each day and that starts with bouncing back this week with games against Easton and Freedom.
“I do feel as though we have improved since the winter break in several areas,” he said. “We have so much room for growth as we enter late January and into our conference schedule.”
Freedom (11-8) clinched a district playoff berth and has games against Bethlehem Catholic and Liberty this week as they’re battling for one of the final spots for the EPC tournament.
Bethlehem Catholic (8-11) will see their postseason fate come down to the wire with three games left on the season and the Hawks needing every win they can take. They play Freedom and Northampton this week before finishing with Easton next week.