BREAKING: In a thrilling conclusion, Liberty High School’s senior guard Dante Vigil delivered a game-winning layup as time expired, leading the Lions to a stunning 70-69 victory over Weston Ranch on January 8, 2026, in Brentwood, California. The win marks Liberty’s 14th triumph of the season, solidifying their strong position in the Bay Valley Athletic League.
The atmosphere in Liberty’s gym was electric as Vigil’s shot dropped, capping off a remarkable fourth-quarter rally where the Lions overturned a daunting 10-point deficit in the final five minutes. Vigil led the charge with a game-high 32 points, including the final ten points scored by Liberty.
“I knew I had to go get a bucket,” Vigil said after the game. “I just thanked God that I made it.” The victory not only showcased Vigil’s skill but also demonstrated the resilience of the Lions, who were down by as much as 15 points earlier in the game.
Weston Ranch opened strong with an 11-0 run and maintained control for much of the match, leading by as much as 57-42 late in the third quarter. Liberty coach Rich Morton expressed disbelief at the comeback, noting, “I was thinking that it was not our night.” However, the Lions’ determination shone through, propelled by Vigil’s inspiring performance.
With just 20 seconds remaining and a final possession looming, Liberty opted not to call a timeout, allowing Vigil to take charge. Although his initial three-pointer missed, a critical rebound by senior forward Brendan Beresford kept the play alive, eventually leading to Vigil’s decisive layup.
Vigil’s late-game heroics were a stark contrast to his earlier struggles; he had been experiencing a shooting slump since winter break. This victory is expected to boost his confidence moving forward. “Having 30 points and getting a buzzer beater is very hard to do in high school,” Vigil remarked, emphasizing the significance of his achievement.
Liberty’s performance in this matchup is particularly noteworthy as they aim to maintain their dominance in the Bay Valley Athletic League, having claimed the last four BVAL titles. With an impressive record of 14-2, the Lions are heavily favored to continue their success this season.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts will be watching for how this victory impacts Liberty’s momentum. The Lions are set to face more challenging opponents in the coming weeks, and Vigil’s standout performance could be a turning point for the team.
In other notable games, St. Mary’s-Berkeley defeated Bethel 64-56, with CJ Baltrip and Donovan Mikel combining for 38 points. Meanwhile, the girls’ team from Acalanes cruised to a dominant 68-13 victory over Berean Christian.
Stay tuned for more updates as high school basketball continues to heat up!
