SOUTH WAYNE — Black Hawk made it 68 wins in a row with a 78-39 victory over Barneveld Jan. 25. The win puts the Warriors tied for fourth-longest winning streak in state history, tying New London (2011-13) and surpassing Barneveld’s mark of 67 from 1998-2000. Pius XI Catholic’s run of 70 games is currently third all-time, registered from 1984-87. 

Black Hawk (14-0) is the only unbeaten team left in Division 5 and has been the top-ranked team in the division for more than two years. With two more wins, not only would Black Hawk match Pius for third all-time, but Bailey Butler, who is averaging a state-high 29.5 points per game could surpass former teammate Natalie Leuzinger for most points all-time in school history. Butler is 53 points behind Leuzinger’s career mark of 1,803.

Against Barneveld, Butler had a triple-double, tallying 24 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to go with 3 steals. She leads the state in scoring and assists this year and is third in steals per game. Butler and teammate Macie Stauffacher are 1-2 in D5 in 3-point percentage. Stauffacher finished the night with 6 points on two 3s.

Kaylee Marty had 23 points with 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 steals for the Warriors. Raylin Peterson had 10 points and 3 rebounds, while Tara Wellnitz added 7 boards. Tatum Baumgartner added 7 points and Makayla Mau tallied 6 points and 5 rebounds.

The Warriors are in the driver’s seat for the Six Rivers East title, holding a 2-game cushion on Albany. Black Hawk hasn’t lost a conference game in five seasons.

Black Hawk and Barneveld meet up again right away Jan. 29 for the second game of their season series. The Warriors then have road games at Pecatonica Feb. 1 and Darlington Feb. 2. Black Hawk’s game against Juda scheduled for Jan. 26 was canceled due to snow.