Mount Blanchard, Ohio (WLIO) — Liberty-Benton used a strong start and steady offense to pull away from Riverdale, earning a 44–31 road victory and clinching the Blanchard Valley Conference title.
 
The matchup featured the top two teams in the conference, with Liberty-Benton entering unbeaten in league play at 8–0 and Riverdale close behind at 7–1.
 
The Eagles set the tone early and never relinquished control.
 
Liberty-Benton broke a scoreless tie on the game’s opening possession when Sophie McDaniel drove the baseline and finished at the rim.
 
Riverdale answered quickly, as freshman Claire Inbody grabbed her own miss and converted a three-point play to give the Falcons a brief 3–2 lead.
 
The Eagles responded with a decisive 9–0 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from junior Megan Gerken, to take a 12–3 advantage.
 
Liberty-Benton’s defensive pressure and perimeter shooting helped create separation as the first half progressed.
 
Riverdale fought back by going inside to Inbody, who recorded another and-one opportunity as part of a strong performance for the freshman.
 
Despite the push, the Falcons struggled to close the gap.
 
McDaniel displayed her range for Liberty-Benton down the stretch, knocking down a jumper to maintain the Eagles’ cushion as they controlled the tempo in the second half.
 
Liberty-Benton closed out the win to improve to 9–0 in conference play, securing the Blanchard Valley Conference championship with the 44–31 victory.

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