The Forest Grove Vikings are still undefeated this season after their contest against the Liberty Lions on Saturday, but the Liberty Lions came as close as anyone has to beating them. It was close, but Forest Grove capped 2023 with a 67-64 win over Liberty. Given Forest Grove's advantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked eighth in Oregon, while Liberty is ranked 236th in California), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Liberty's loss came despite strong showings from Madison Perea and Shyanne Smith. Perea dropped a double-double on 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Smith scored 22 points along with five rebounds and three steals. The game was Perea's fifth in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Lea Salinas beamen, who scored 11 points along with seven rebounds.
Forest Grove's victory bumped their record up to 9-0. As for Liberty, they now have a losing record at 6-7.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Forest Grove will be staying on the road on Tuesday to face off against Hillsboro at 7:15 p.m. on January 2nd. Hillsboro is coming into the contest hot, having won their last three games. As for Liberty, they will head out on the road to face off against Carondelet at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Carondelet will be looking to keep their four-game home win streak alive.
