DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
Bellmont and Bishop Luers combined to shoot 35 free throws in a physical game between the current powerhouse (Bellmont) and former powerhouse (Luers), with the Braves showing why they received a first-place vote in the most recent 3A state poll, winning 69-40 on the road in Fort Wayne Wednesday night.
Taking on a team that just won a state title in 2024, Bellmont’s defense was locked in for the final three quarters, allowing just eight made baskets over the span of 24 minutes.
Mary Bleke led the Braves in scoring with 20, with 12 coming in the first half before the Knights resorted to fouling the sophomore, sending her to the line for twelve free throws in the second half.
The Braves had a great night from three, knocking down nine long shots, with Oni Krueckeberg leading the way with three treys. Kaitlyn Barton, Ashley Bleke and Lanie French each had a pair of threes in the victory.
Ashley Bleke ended the night with 13 points, while French and Krueckeberg had twelve apiece.
Harvest Green led all scorers with 22 points on her home court. She was 8 of 12 from the line and accounted for seven of the team’s ten two-point field goals.
The Braves’ biggest test perhaps of the season so far will come Friday at East Noble, where the two 3A teams will square off in a battle for who might be considered the favorite for the local regional in February, although Columbia City also looms as a team that could make a big postseason run with Norwell up in 4A this season.
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