Liberty’s Jackson Whitaker assesses the defense against Bishop Blanchet. Ben Ray / The Reporter

Liberty’s Jackson Whitaker assesses the defense against Bishop Blanchet. Ben Ray / The Reporter

Liberty High’s Whitaker scores 52 to set single-game school record

The senior guard at the Renton school scored 40 in first half in a win against Tennyson (CA).

Liberty High School’s Jackson Whitaker etched his name into the Renton school’s history books on Dec. 26 in Palm Springs, California.

Whitaker, a 6-foot-3 senior guard, set a new school record with 52 points in a single game. The previous recordholder was Jake Elfstrom who scored 42 in a win against Interlake High School back on Dec. 11, 2018. Elfstrom now coaches in the Liberty youth basketball organization coaching seventh grade boys.

The Patriots embarked on their annual winter break trip this year, heading to Palm Springs to take on teams from California, Nevada and Arizona. In their first game against Tennyson High School (California), Whitaker popped off for 40 points in the first half en route to 52.

Liberty ended up winning the game 86-50, and Whitaker cemented himself as one of the greatest basketball players in Liberty history.

The Patriots are 3-0 and next take on Sierra Vista, which won the Nevada state 4A title last season.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Sports

Brandon Tagle heads to the hoop en route to 18 points in the loss to Auburn. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood free falls to fourth straight loss

Game slips through the Conks’ fingertips as Auburn reigns supreme.

Layni Culp celebrates a touchdown with her teammates against Auburn Mountainview. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentlake flag football splits two-game set

The Falcons won their second game of the season before falling to Thomas Jefferson.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba had at least 72 receiving yards in all but one game this season, including 84 in the finale at San Francisco. Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
Three focal points for Seahawks vs. 49ers in NFC Divisional Round

It’s the third time these teams have met this season, second time in three weeks.

Brandon Tagle (right) and Caleb Ross (left) celebrate the win over Kennedy. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Terrific Tagle: Kentwood senior lifts Conks to comeback win

Brandon Tagle didn’t miss a shot in his 16-point third quarter vs. Kennedy Catholic.

Ramiyah Bacani dibbles the basketball for Kentlake. Photo provided by Robby Mullikin
Kentlake girls basketball off to best start since 2017

Ramiyah Bacani leads Falcons to 13-point win over Washington.

Graphic provided by Kent School District.
Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kent-Meridian

Raymond Wong (Jr.) and Harper Bertuccio (Fr.) are this week’s winners and play basketball.

Caleb Ross takes a jump shot at Tahoma High School. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood’s dominance continues in win over Mountlake Terrace

Caleb Ross and AJ Gabriel help bolster Conks to sixth straight win.

Jaylen Keowla dribbles the ball up the floor for Kentridge. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentridge’s Jaylen Keowla wins it in final moments over Jackson

There were five lead changes in the final two minutes, but Kentridge got the win.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III sprints toward the end zone against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Lumen Field in Seattle. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Three takeaways from Seattle’s historic night

The Seahawks rallied in one of the most impressive comebacks in franchise history. Here’s what stands out.

Courtesy graphic.
Kent Reporter Athlete of the Week: Kentlake

Lehua- Aloha Tauiliili (Sr.) and Jackson Harrigan (Fr.) both play basketball at Kentlake.

Jaylen Keowla drives to the basket for Kentridge. Photo provided by Dee Torres.
Kentridge boys doomed from the start as Auburn cleans up

Chargers’ slow first quarter was too much to overcome against the league champs.

Karina Quebrado from Kentwood wrestles in her home gym. Ben Ray / The Reporter
Kentwood hosts NPSL girls wrestling action

Kentwood High School hosted its first NPSL wrestling meet of the season… Continue reading