Blackman's girls threw the first blow in the District 7-AAA race on Tuesday night, holding off Riverdale 51-48 at home in the league opener for both teams.
The Lady Blaze held a six-point lead in the fourth quarter and never relinquished it, but it remained a one-possession game until the five seconds when senior guard Crystal Dangerfield hit a free throw with 3.7 seconds remaiining for the final margin of victory.
"I think that's the type of game you're going to see all season long," said Blackman coach Jessika Jackson. "Two great teams with a lot of talent and a lot of grit.