By Cort Reynolds

VIDEO https://youtube.com/@basketball-bbhs6557

The Bluffton High School boys basketball team lost 47-30 to visiting Liberty-Benton in the Pirate home opener Saturday night, December 3.

The Pirates trailed 14-6 after the first period, and they fell further behind 26-9 by halftime. The teams played to a 21-21 draw in the second half.

Bluffton falls to 0-3 with the defeat, while L-B improved to 3-0 with the win.

Marek Donaldson led the Pirates with nine points. Kaden Lora tallied eight markers, and Wade Ginther added six.

Eagle Carson Conaway led all players with 17 points. Jake Gerken added 11 points on three triples. Carson Doolittle contributed 10 markers.

The Pirates connected on 10 field goals, hitting on eight two-pointers and two trifectas. Bluffton converted eight of 10 free throw tries (80 percent).  

L-B sank 19 field goals - three from three-point territory, and 16 baskets inside the arc. The Eagles converted six of 13 attempts from the charity stripe (46 percent).

Bluffton committed a dozen turnovers, while L-B made just seven errors.

L-B 47 (3-0)

K. Garlock 0 2-2 2, Conaway 8 1-4 17, Doolittle 4 2-5 10, Gerken 4 0-0 11, L. Garlock 1 0-0 2, Elchert 1 0-0 2, Thomas 1 1-2 3. 

Totals: 16-3/6-13/47. 3-pointers: Gerken 3. 

Bluffton 30 (0-3)

Donaldson 3 2-2 9, Soper 0, Ginther 2 2-2 6, Worcester 1 1-2 4, Boblitt 0, Lora 3 2-2 8, Yoder 1 1-2 3, Hilty 0. 

Totals: 8-2/8-10/30. 3-pointers: Donaldson 1, Worcester 1. 

1 2 3 4 F

L-B 14 12 12 9 47

Blf 6 3 11 10 30

Bluffton opens defense of its Northwest Conference title next Friday, December 9 at home vs. Delphos Jefferson (2-1). 

The Pirates then entertain McComb (1-1) Saturday, Dec. 10 in a non-league outing. The Panthers lost 66-45 at Ada Dec. 3.