Jack of all trades: Whitaker sets new single game points record

Published 10:45 am Wednesday, December 31, 2025

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

Whitaker set a new school record with 52 points in a single game, a new benchmark for the Patriot senior. The previous recordholder was Jake Elfstrom who scored 42 in a win against Interlake 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 currently and are taking on Sierra Vista, who won the Nevada state 4A title last season.