UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Liberty High School’s senior guard Dante Vigil delivered a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater, leading his team to a dramatic 70-69 victory over Weston Ranch on January 8, 2026. This remarkable comeback saw Liberty erase a staggering 15-point deficit earlier in the game, igniting jubilation in Brentwood.
The game culminated in pandemonium as Vigil’s layup at the horn sent the home crowd into a frenzy. His father, Steve Berendsen, who kept score, sprinted up the bleachers with a fist raised in celebration. Vigil’s game-high 32 points included an inspiring final drive that showcased his determination.
“I knew I had to go get a bucket,” Vigil stated. “I just thanked God that I made it.”
Liberty, currently ranked 11th in the Bay Area News Group standings, faced a challenging match against Weston Ranch, who began the game with an 11-0 run. Despite trailing significantly, Liberty fought back, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.
In the final five minutes, with the Lions down by 10 points, Vigil led the charge, scoring the team’s last ten points. Liberty coach Rich Morton reflected on the tense moments, admitting he thought the game was slipping away. “It was just about pushing different buttons,” Morton said. “It was just one of those games.”
Liberty had struggled earlier in the match, with turnovers and missed opportunities allowing Weston Ranch to dominate. Yet, a strong second quarter gave them a slim lead at halftime. The Cougars surged back in the second half, extending their lead to 57-42 before Vigil ignited the comeback.
With just 20 seconds left, Liberty opted not to call a timeout after a crucial defensive stop. Vigil attempted a three-pointer that rattled in and out, but teammate Brendan Beresford kept the possession alive by tipping the rebound back to him. Vigil then executed a jump stop, finishing with a finger roll that sealed the victory.
“Tonight was just about rolling the dice with him and seeing what he can do,” Morton added. “We hit lucky seven with him, that’s for sure.”
With this win, Liberty improved to 14-2 for the season and reinforced their status as strong contenders in the Bay Valley Athletic League, aiming for their fifth consecutive league title.
Vigil expressed his personal triumph, stating, “Having 30 points and getting a buzzer beater is very hard to do in high school. I just feel accomplished that I was able to do it.” As the team celebrates this victory, all eyes will be on Vigil and Liberty’s next matchup as they look to continue their winning streak.
In other notable games, St. Mary’s defeated Bethel 64-56, with players CJ Baltrip and Donovan Mikel combining for 38 points. Meanwhile, the girls’ team from Acalanes dominated Berean Christian 68-13, showcasing an impressive performance throughout the game.
Stay tuned for more updates on high school basketball action as the season progresses.
