Langley led the entire game, up until Washington-Liberty produced a late third quarter rally to take a 33-32 lead with less than a minute to play in the period. But on the following possession Anya Rahman sunk a three-pointer from the logo as the buzzer sounded to regain the lead and take back the momentum.
The Saxons regained their composure and outscored the Generals 21-12 in the 4th quarter to secure a 56-45 win in the Liberty District Championship.
“It’s hard to describe any other feeling than very, very happy,” Langley Head Coach Amanda Baker said with a smile. “That third quarter we gave up a bunch of offensive rebounds. That was troubling and that’s where we saw our lead shrink. But when Anya made that shot I think the confidence came back, and we dialed in on the glass and our composure on offense was a lot better too.”
Langley (21-3) was led by the Liberty District Rookie of the Year Alice Allen, who scored 28 points, including four 3-pointers, and was a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line.
“It feels so good, I feel like I’ve been dreaming of this moment and it’s finally happened,” Allen said.
The Saxons also got a big contribution from Rahman, who was named Liberty District co-Player of the Year. Rahman tallied 16 points, six rebounds and four assists.
“For me personally I’ve been in the district championship the last few years and it hasn’t gone the way the way we’ve wanted,” Rahman said. “It feels surreal to finally get over the hump and take the dub.”
Rahman got the game started with a step-back three-pointer that began a 8-0 run to start the game for the Saxons. Washington-Liberty struggled to create shots early, as Langley led 12-3 at the end of the first quarter.
“We’re very dynamic,” Coach Baker said. “We have a lot of weapons and a lot of athletes that can guard all the positions out there. We have a lot of different attacks and that keeps us hard to defend and hard to play against.”
The Generals (17-8) finally found a rhythm halfway through the second quarter as they went on a 12-2 run that cut Langley’s lead to 17-12 with two minutes left in the half. The Saxons led 22-15 heading into the third quarter.
Rahman credits the team’s chemistry to the work they put in during practice.
“I think it’s the way we practice – it’s structured to make us feel as confident as we can,” Rahman said. “We do specific things for specific opponents. The way we practice translates to the way we can dominate on the court.”
Washington-Liberty refused to quit, as the Generals brought the game within two points at 24-22 with four minutes left in the third quarter. The Saxons responded with a 6-2 run, but the Generals stole the momentum back with a 9-2 run that took their first and only lead of 33-32.
But Rahman’s buzzer-beating three-pointer halted all of Washington-Liberty’s momentum, and Allen helped close the game out with 11 points in the fourth quarter.
“I couldn’t have done it without such an amazing team,” Allen said.
Coach Baker was also recognized as the Liberty District Coach of the Year before the game. Rahman praised Coach Baker’s leadership both on the court, and in her personal life.
“It means a lot to have her mentorship, and to have had it for four years,” Rahman said. “She teaches way beyond basketball – I’ve learned a lot of life lessons, everything has formed me into a better person.”
Langley will advance to the Northern Region tournament to play Madison.
“I think we learned a lot in this game,” Coach Baker said. “When it’s a game with a lot on the line, there’s a certain amount of composure we need to have. The turnovers early were a sign of a little bit of youth, a little bit of over excitement. If we can learn from this game going forward, we have the poise to go on a run.”
–TJ Davis
@Ttown316