Liberty is headed to its second final four of the school year – this time on the hardwood.
The Eagles rallied from an early double-digit deficit Saturday to top Skyline 64-52 in the Class 3 quarterfinals at Republic High School.
The South Central Association’s other state playoff qualifier, the Willow Springs girls, lost their Class 3 quarterfinal 67-55 to Skyline on Friday.
After advancing to the state semifinals in football in the fall, Liberty continues its impressive run with its first basketball final four appearance since 1988. That team finished as state runners-up.
The Eagles (28-2), who have won 21 consecutive games, will face defending state champion and nationally ranked Principia at 4 p.m. Friday inside Mizzou Arena in Columbia.
Liberty trailed Skyline 17-5 after the opening quarter and by 11 at the half. But the Eagles dominated the second half with a 42-17 advantage to pull away.
The Tune cousins – Parker and Alex – combined for 48 points to lead the comeback. Parker Tune scored 27 points and Alex Tune had 21.Â