PANDORA, Ohio (WLIO) — Van Buren remained the top team in the Blanchard Valley Conference on Friday night, defeating Pandora-Gilboa 44–36 to stay undefeated in league play.

The Black Knights improved to 14-1 overall and extended their winning streak to 14 games. Pandora-Gilboa fell to 7-8 after suffering its fourth consecutive loss.

Van Buren led by six at halftime and opened the second half with a surge.

Senior Anakin Ortega knocked down a 3-pointer to push the lead to nine, and Will Rampe followed with a basket off the glass to give the Black Knights a 26–18 advantage.

Pandora-Gilboa responded with a 3-pointer from junior Grady Kempf, trimming the deficit and forcing a Van Buren timeout.

The Rockets continued to battle, but the Black Knights answered with steady ball movement and efficient scoring inside.

Alex Homan set up Brady Lance for a basket in the lane as Van Buren built its lead.Lance finished with 10 points.

Rampe later connected on a contested shot to extend the margin to 33–20.

The Rockets attempted to rally behind senior Camden Verhoff, who led all scorers with 19 points, including a 3-pointer that cut into the deficit late. However, Van Buren remained composed down the stretch.

Rampe led the Black Knights with 15 points, helping seal the road victory and preserve Van Buren’s unbeaten run in conference play.

Pandora-Gilboa was unable to close the gap in the final minutes as Van Buren secured the eight-point win.

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