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LIBERTY: LIONS EYEING NCS TITLE
Liberty’s 2024 season ended in heartbreak.
The Lions entered the North Coast Section playoffs with just one loss, but were upset by their crosstown rivals Heritage in the second round.
The Brentwood school lost many of its star players to graduation, including quarterback Shyanne Smith.
But so far, the Lions have not missed a beat.
Liberty has won its first 11 games, which includes a stellar 7-6 win over Heritage on Wednesday. In the latest Bay Area News Group rankings, Liberty is ranked third behind Central Coast Section juggernauts Menlo School and Sacred Heart Prep.
For the Lions, the expectations have not changed.
“We’re coming for an NCS and a league title,” sophomore quarterback Elenoa Malu said.
Despite having a young group, coach Matt Malzahn said he’s not shocked to see how well his team has been playing.
“I’m not surprised,” Malzahn said. “They’re just young in terms of their experience on the field.”
– Nathan Canilao
LEIGH: STANDOUT SENIOR POWERS LONGHORNS, REACHES CAREER MILESTONE
Volleyball is a sport particularly suited to one player contributing in all facets of the game.
Teagan Cooling fills that role for Leigh with aplomb. The senior plays all six rotations as the primary passer while also averaging 5.5 kills per set.
She is a prolific attacker who combined for 53 kills in matches against Branham and Silver Creek while averaging 7.6 kills per set. The win over Branham was the first of Cooling’s four-year varsity career in the south San Jose crosstown rivalry.
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All told this season, she has racked up 237 kills, 26 service aces, 10 blocks, 47 digs and 117 successful serve receives so far.
A co-captain with fellow four-year varsity player Megan Chiu, Leigh coach Jekara Wilson called Cooling “unstoppable.” She reached 1,000 kills for her Longhorns career last week.
“Teagan has done an extraordinary job as a leader and overall teammate, including running the team’s social media account on Instagram,” Wilson said. “Her talent, leadership, and all-around impact make her one of the top players in the region.”
Cooling’s volleyball career will continue after Leigh’s season comes to an end this fall. She is committed to play for Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo starting next year.
“In my 16-plus years of coaching high school volleyball, I can proudly say Teagan is one of the most well-rounded players I have ever coached,” Wilson said. “Teagan grew up with volleyball in her blood, as both of her parents found much success as players and coaches in our beloved sport. It has been truly amazing the past two years to witness her progress as player and individual in general. Leigh will miss her next year, but we are so excited for her to play at Cal Poly.”
— Christian Babcock
