A State Final: Liberty Christian 64, Bloomfield 45

Prior to the game, it was the uptempo style of Liberty Christian against the plodding pace of Bloomfield. The match-up was a contrast in nearly every aspect of the game. Bloomfield decided to play Liberty Christian's pace. It worked for three quarters before Liberty Christian took control in the fourth quarter. Here's how it played out.

The first quarter was definitely played at Liberty Christian's pace. Buckets were being tallied left and right throughout the quarter. It was senior forward Caleb Hardy doing the damage early for Liberty Christian with Franklin Nunn joining in the fun as well. The two were a major problem for Bloomfield throughout the game.

For Bloomfield, the action went through star senior Brandon Van Sant. He did a good job of creating for others early in the game. He had a couple assists to begin the game. Then Van Sant started to find opportunities to score himself. The Illinois-Springfield signee had six points in the opening quarter.

Bloomfield didn't back off the pace in the second quarter. The Cardinals kept attacking at every opportunity although the possessions were limited compared to the first quarter.

Bloomfield took its first lead of the game midway through the second period. Bloomfield used a 9-2 run behind senior Zach Skinner. He scored seven points in the second quarter. The lead was short-lived as Caleb Hardy answered right back.

After Liberty Christian led by four at the half, the Lions opened the second half with eight quick points. It opened the game up and forced Bloomfield into a deficit that they weren't normally comfortable playing out of. The Cardinals kept fighting. Van Sant continued to carry Bloomfield. His play at the end of the third sparked a 13-4 run.

Bloomfield's Eli Combs scored to open the fourth quarter. It made the game 44-43 in Liberty Christian's advantage. The Lions scored the next 10 points and put the game out of reach. Nunn and Greg Dixon each scored six points while Liberty Christian shut down Van Sant in the fourth period. Van Sant only had a late dunk in the final quarter.

Liberty Christian ended the game on a 20-2 run to put the game out of reach. The Lions won going away 64-45.

The state title is the first boys basketball championship for Liberty Christian.

Bloomfield – Brandon Van Sant 19 points (7-16 FG, 0-2 3FG, 5-7 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers, Eli Combs 10 points, 4 rebounds, Chris Gilmore 3 points, 5 rebounds, Luke Vandeventer 0 points, 5 rebounds, Zach Skinner 9 points, 6 rebounds, Isaac Combs 2 points, Drake Frederick 2 points

Liberty Christian – Franklin Nunn 19 points (6-10 FG, 1-2 3FG, 6-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, Caleb Hardy 14 points (5-13 FG, 4-7 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, Ronny Williams 10 points (3-9 FG, 2-5 3FG, 2-2 FT), 5 assists, Greg Dixon 12 points, 4 rebounds, Josh Tufts 3 points, Ben Cotton 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists