Richard Smith

West Valley Preps

In a game that featured 176 total points and 19 lead changes, Willow Canyon left Liberty with a monumental win because it — led by junior star K.J. Patrick, simply would not give up the lead in the final four minutes.

Patrick scored nine of his team-high 25 points in the fourth quarter and all but his first bucket either gave the visiting Wildcats the lead or added to their advantage. He also dished out a key assist on a Ben Carter layup that made the score 85-82 with 50 seconds left.

But knocking off the Northwest Region leader 90-86 in its home gym required more than Patrick's performance. Willow Canyon (13-12, 4-3 region) received a career-best night from a promising but raw sophomore, grit from its seniors and offensive rebounding from nearly every player who came in.

"Every kid contributed at least one play to that win. So I think it speaks to what we're trying to build," first-year Willow Canyon coach Joseph Colletti said. "We want to be the toughest program in the West Valley, and then the toughest program in the state. When you're out-sized, offensive rebounding is a great indicator. I couldn't be more proud of the way they played."

Colletti coached the Lions junior varsity before accepting the Willow Canyon job and brought along (largely) the same philosophy that turned Liberty into a unique force. The Wildcats also run, shoot threes in bunches, press, substitute frequently and usually in batches of three to five players, and go deep into their bench.

In both matchups this year the result has been high scoring, dizzyingly-paced games full of second half drama. Liberty (13-11, 4-2) outlasted the Wildcats 99-93 on Jan. 9 in Surprise.

"We had some looks that didn't fall and they hit some tough, contested shots. We had some defensive breakdowns here or there," Liberty coach Mark Wood said. "This is only like the third or fourth game of the season we've played together. I feel like we're constantly trying to mesh and figure things out. We're going to look at it and make things better. (Willow Canyon) played the way the game should be played and they got the better of us."

Not much had changed in 17 days. Liberty led 27-25 after the first quarter, with the teams combining for nine made three-point shots.

It was 46-43 Lions at the half, and four players already reached double figures in scoring. Three of them — Patrick, Liberty senior wing Quentin Guliford and Liberty junior guard Josh Ursery — were not a surprise.

But the fourth, Wildcats sophomore Sunday John, was a bit of the shock. A reserve guard entering the contest averaging 3.6 points a game, John scored 14 in the first half and finished with 23.

"(Sunday) is a phenomenal worker. The kid is the second kid in the gym every single day, only to KJ Patrick. His work ethic is outstanding and I think that's why you see the growth in his game. He embodies what we want to be about as a program," Colletti said. "We stress servant leadership in our program. KJ Patrick has taken that and become the consummate leader of what we're building. He's always  helping guys in the classroom and on the floor. He can score at all three levels. The thing I'm most proud of tonight it, going against a Division I athlete for the majority of the game, he showed that he belongs with the best of the best and his defense was outstanding."

Liberty nearly took command late in the third. After a 7-0 run, it appeared the home team would carry a five-point lead into the final frame.

But Willow Canyon senior John Mendoza dribbled up the court and released a running, but uncontested, three just before the horn. It based in to cut the Wildcats' deficit to 62-60.

"A banked three to end the quarter — those things make a difference late," Wood said.

From there, the Lions could not build a lead bigger than four points despite a steal and score by Ursery, a basket by junior guard Jacob Edahl and a three by Ray answering a trey from John.

Patrick and John immediately responded with baskets to tie, then Patrick hit a running bank shot for a 71-69 Wildcats lead. Guliford responded to tie, then John made the second of two free throw attempts.

Mendoza followed with another game-changing shot, stealing the ensuing Lions inbounds pass and drained a trey with 3:59 remaining to put the visitors up 75-71. A minute later, Guliford hit a triple to tie it at 76.

But Willow Canyon senior guards Kevin Kilgore and Isaiah Ramirez both scored and the Wildcats maintained their lead for the rest of the night.

"I believe our seniors are understanding what it takes to be winners. They believe that they belong on the court with everyone and you saw that," Colette said. "Isaiah Ramirez is a pit bull with his rebounding. Kevin Kilgore made some huge plays for us. John Mendoza was monstrous in the second half."

Guliford scored to bring his team within one at 83-82. But Patrick fed Clark for his basket and the Wildcats made enough free throws to stay ahead from there.

This result led to more upheaval in the chaotic region. Centennial (11-11, 4-1) beat Sierra Linda Friday to take a half-game lead over Liberty.

Willow Canyon is a half-game back of the Lions and a half-game ahead of Surprise rival Shadow Ridge (16-7, 3-3).

Wood said even at this late juncture, the team is still getting to know each other. But flashes of brilliance point to greater potential.

"There's a lot of parity in this region, and we know that there's a sense of urgency every night," Wood said. "I thought at times our tempo was pretty good and we were moving the ball, with some phenomenal assists. We had big offensive rebounds and putbacks. We have struggled with giving up offensive rebounds this season. It's certainly something we're trying to improve on. but that also speaks to the fact that we haven't had practice time together, let alone game time. Our guys have played a very difficult schedule. I believe that while time is short, we're going to start clicking."

While a region banner would be nice, these teams, ultimately, are jockeying for position in the 5A playoffs. Liberty entered the night ranked No. 10, Shadow Ridge was No. 15 and Centennial came in at No. 17.

Willow Canyon was No. 27 coming in, and needs to get into the top 24 to reach the play-in phase. This win keeps postseason hopes alive for a program in the first year of its overhaul.

"Having coached here for the last three years before coming to Willow, I have nothing but love for Mark Wood and Craig Marcus. And I've coached the majority of the players on their team. So it's emotional and difficult to play them. We play a very similar style, so to get one against guys that have been playing this way for years is a season-defining win," Colette said. "For us to make the playoffs at this point ... I could not wish anything more than for them to taste that."

Liberty's Connor Ray (#50) makes a three-point shot against Willow Canyon on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at Liberty High School in Peoria. [Jacob Stanek/West Valley Preps][/caption]