10 years. 

That’s how long the Liberty boys basketball team has been going to the postseason district championships. Unsurprisingly, this also is how long Coach Omar Parker has been coaching the varsity team. 

When questioned about their secrets to success, nearly all players answered with “our coach” or “team culture”.

“The coaches emphasize the importance of working harder than the other teams,” sophomore varsity player Makai La Madrid said.

The basketball team can be found practicing in various gyms around Liberty after school every single day. Even after a long school day, the team is sure to be running multiple drills and exercises in order to prepare for games and the playoffs. 

“Our coach doesn’t go easy on us, but that’s what helps us succeed,” senior varsity player Kai Yates said. 

The passion of the coaching staff not only forces the team to work harder, but it builds onto a positive team culture that aids them in the playoffs. 

“The coaches always say that the one thing all the teams have in common is the time we have to prepare for the playoffs, so we need to make sure we’re using our time to the best of our ability,” La Madrid said. 

However, while the monumental success of the team can be attributed to their hard work, there are other central goals Coach Parker keeps in mind. 

“We want to be the best defensive team, we want to out rebound our opponent, and we want to be unselfish and committed to being great shots,” Parker said. 

When compared to other teams within the division, the Liberty team has fewer players, meaning they have to prepare more in order to overcome their obstacles. It also seems that they are literally shorter in height, giving them more of a disadvantage. 

“We’re all kind of short this year, so our strategy is to run around as much as we can to tire out the other team,” Yates said. 

Outside of practice and games, the team also works to strengthen their bonds through team dinners. Whether in the court or outside, they always have each other’s backs. 

“The best teams have to be together, so it helps that we’re all friends,” senior varsity player Eric Abel said. 

Through each player’s hard work, the boys basketball team hopes to continue making it to the playoffs every year. Their traditions are passed on as well, furthering creating an environment suited for success. 

“All of these add up to us being the toughest and most together team, which usually leads to success,” Parker said.