COLUMBUS GROVE, Ohio (WLIO) — On the Division VI Northwest 4 side of the bracket, the Columbus Grove Bulldogs welcomed the Riverdale Falcons. The Bulldogs had won the previous three meetings between the two programs.

Riverdale controlled the opening tip and struck first. Grant Inbody grabbed the offensive rebound and finished the putback to give the Falcons the early edge.

Columbus Grove answered right back. Landon Best connected from beyond the arc, trimming the deficit to one.

The opening quarter featured back-and-forth action. Grady Haley used a quick jab step before rising up and knocking down a three-pointer to put the Falcons ahead by two.

Later in the quarter, Inbody split the defenders and attacked the rim for two more, extending Riverdale’s lead to five.

The Falcons continued to apply pressure as Cody Barger used a pump fake to create space and score inside.

But the Bulldogs responded. Gavin Baxter slipped behind the defense, finished at the rim, and completed the three-point play to spark the comeback.

Columbus Grove carried that momentum the rest of the way, earning a 66-47 victory to advance.

The Bulldogs will face the Van Buren Black Knights next Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Liberty-Benton High School.

Tags