Coach Butch Clark has been determined for many years to get Liberty Christian on the court against public school competition.

And this season that has finally been accomplished, with his girls basketball program matching up respectably against schools from around the state. The increased rigor in schedule hasn’t prevented the Eagles from patterning one of their best seasons in program history.

“I was disappointed last year when we got to the championship game,” said Clark. “I wanted to play a tougher schedule and more games on the road during January, so I sent out as many emails to MSHSAA schools as I could.”

Improving to 24-1, Liberty Christian claimed Wellsville as its latest public school victim with a 50-16 rout during the host school’s Homecoming last Friday.

“We played a really good last three quarters, especially on defense,” said Clark. “We managed to hold their best player scoreless during that stretch. I thought the girls did a great job of doubling down in the post.”

A major part of that defensive effort was Adison Roden, who recorded seven blocks, denying the Tigers of any offense in the paint.

“They were relegated to just scoring outside and weren’t hitting much,” said Clark. “We did score inside, which was a complete reversal last year. This time we managed to dominate the post.”

Andrea Mueller added a team-high 20 points for the Eagles, who gained a 10-3 advantage to start the contest.

Wellsville battled back, trailing 11-10 after one quarter, prompting Clark to rally his team. From that moment on, the Tigers scored just two points per period. Strongly responsible for the shutdown was Kylee Ball, who went scoreless on offense but was a catalyst on defense.

“She had an outstanding game on defense and was all over the place,” said Clark. “She helped double down any time their best player got the ball in the post. She proved you don’t have to score to make an impact.”

Liberty Christian led 24-12 at halftime and 33-14 entering the final period, which was its strongest of all. The Eagles outscored their hosts 17-2 during that stretch.

“I have to give our kids credit,” said Clark. “They played great defense, and I think that had a lot to do with their shooting struggles. They didn’t get a lot of open looks.”

Liberty Christian began its competition in the Metro Athletic Conference Tournament on Tuesday, defeating Rivers of Life 64-17 during the first round.

They are slated to match up against Mississippi Valley Christian on Thursday.

“To win it, we’re going to have to beat Maryville on their home court,” said Clark. “For some reason we’ve struggled against them this season, beating them by one and five. It won’t be easy. It’s hard to beat a good team like that three times.”