Makani Whiteside scores 38 points to give Liberty-Madera Ranchos its first section title
Makani Whiteside left little doubt.
The senior point guard scored a game-high 38 points Friday to lead the top-seed Liberty-Madera Ranchos boys basketball team to a 65-46 victory over No. 3 Firebaugh in the Central Section Division V championship at Selland Arena.
It was the Hawks’ first section basketball title in school history, according to section historian Bob Barnett.
Whiteside transferred from Taft-Woodland Hills to Liberty to be closer to his mom, Lisa.
He said he was happy to help the Hawks accomplish their goal.
“They counted us out all year,” Whiteside said. “Nobody wanted to see us win. A D-I kid coming to D-V, and ultimately, I wanted to help these guys win a championship. At the end of the day, no matter what they say, we won.”
Whiteside shot 9 of 22 from the field and made 20 of 22 from the free-throw line.
Last year he averaged 16 points for Taft, his second school after playing his first two years at St. John Bosco-Bellflower. Oh, and since his mom is of Armenian descent, he was able to join the Armenia Under-20 national team in summer 2017.
This year, he’s averaging about 29 points per game game for Liberty (28-4).
This story was originally published February 22, 2019 at 6:18 PM.
