Basketball Recap: Liberty Falls Despite Big Games from Maddoc Coapstick and Jerimiah Washpun

If Liberty was feeling good fresh off their 78-55 takedown of Jefferson on Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. 2025 welcomed the Liberty Lightning with an 81-55 loss courtesy of the Bettendorf Bulldogs on Saturday. While losing is never fun, the Lightning can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Iowa basketball rankings (they are ranked 273rd, while the Bulldogs are ranked 90th).

Liberty's loss came despite strong showings from Jerimiah Washpun and Maddoc Coapstick. Washpun went 8 for 16 on his way to 21 points and five rebounds, while Coapstick went 6 of 12 on his way to 13 points and four steals. The match was Washpun's sixth in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Cale Baldwin, who posted five points.

Liberty's loss dropped their record down to 2-6. As for Bettendorf, the victory (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 5-2.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Liberty will venture away from home to face off against Iowa City West at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Bettendorf, they will head out to challenge Muscatine at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.