Patterson with hot hand for Hawks
Accomplishments: More than a week ago, Jalen Patterson was under the weather with high temperatures.
But it’s the Liberty Ranch player’s opponents who have been feeling ill lately — the sophomore guard has averaged 30.4 points over the past five games, up from his season average of 23.1 points per game.
In a non-conference game at Calaveras on Jan. 3, Patterson scored 33 points in the Hawks’ 73-71 win in overtime. On top of that, Patterson scored 30 or more points in four consecutive games, all at the St. Hope Elite Hoop Classic that were played at Sacramento High and West Camps High from Dec. 27-30.
Against West Campus, which Liberty Ranch has met in the semifinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs in recent years, in the tournament finale on Dec. 30, Patterson scored 34 points that included a game-winning 3-pointer. That gave the Hawks a 67-66 victory over the Cougars.
“I had to step up for my team,” Patterson said. “I just got the ball, took a dribble and shot a 3-pointer.”
Liberty Ranch coach Josh Williams, along with assistant coaches Gary Lewis and John Williams, and Hawk players swarmed the court to congratulate Patterson after the game-winning shot.
The day before the West Campus game, a sick Patterson had a fever soaring to 103 degrees. But with three Hawks out with injuries, he felt he had to step up for the team.
“I woke up that morning not feeling my best,” Patterson said. “The night before, I
was worse; like 104 (degrees).”
Patterson, who averaged 17.3 points per game as a freshman last winter, was named to the all-tournament team. Prior to the West Campus contest, he scored 30 points against Bullard of Fresno on Dec. 29 and 31 against McClatchy of Sacramento in the tournament opener.
“During that stretch of four games, my shots were falling,” Patterson said.
Going into its non-conference finale at Center of Antelope tonight, Liberty Ranch is 14-2 that included a 10-game winning streak to open the season.
This Friday, Liberty Ranch opens its quest for a third consecutive Sierra Valley Conference title when it plays rival Galt. Patterson feels that the SVC is stronger this season than last; Rosemont and El Dorado have winning records, while Union Mine has an 8-8 mark.
Cordova, at 6-8, has battled Liberty Ranch for the SVC’s
title in recent years. Patterson and the Hawks feel that their meetings with the Lancers this and next month will go down to the final quarter, as most games have in the last three seasons.
In the last five seasons, Liberty Ranch has experienced deep runs in the playoffs. That includes playing in the section D-IV title games during the 2012-13 and 2014-15 seasons. Liberty Ranch has reached the semifinals of the section playoffs in four of the last five seasons.
“We are way more focused and prepared to win the section title this year,” said Patterson of this year’s squad.
Patterson has been focused on improving his game from the end of last season through this season. Playing basketball since age 3, he played in many AAU games last spring and summer.
“I stayed in the gym and got better,” Patterson said. “I played with the bigger kids, and got better.”
Contact reporter Mike Bush at mikeb@lodinews.com. Follow on Twitter: @MBushLodiSports.