Basketball Recap: Liberty Tree Academy Starts off Right with Win over Manzanola

Liberty Tree Academy gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Monday. They breezed past the Manzanola Bobcats to the tune of 73-35. That's more bragging rights for the War Eagles, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.

Kaleb Mendez

Field Goal Percentage

12/01/25 vs Manzanola	61%
03/01/25 vs Miami-Yoder	15%
02/27/25 vs Pikes Peak Christian	42%
02/21/25 vs James Irwin	28%
02/18/25 @ Kiowa	47%
+ 9 more games

Liberty Tree Academy's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Kaleb Mendez led the charge by going 11-for-18 on his way to 24 points and seven rebounds. What's more, Mendez also posted a 61% shooting accuracy, which is the highest he's achieved since back in January. Jaydence Smith was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with 18 points and nine assists.

Liberty Tree Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in six consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Coming up, Liberty Tree Academy will take on Addenbrooke Classical Academy in a tournament on Thursday. As for Manzanola, they will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Holly at 2:00 p.m. on the 12th.