DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
There’s no more telling statistic from Saturday’s victory for Bellmont in the sectional championship game at Mississinewa than this one: the host Indians made just six baskets all night long.
High-intensity defense and the expectation of a long tournament run, coupled with years of frustration at the sectional level combined for the #5 Braves to demolish the competition, capturing their first sectional since 2022 and just their third in the last 30 years with a 50-23 triumph.
The Braves persevered through a physical game, with Mississinewa bound and determined to make the heavy favorites in the five-team field earn the trophy. Bellmont went to the foul line 34 times as the Indians committed 21 fouls in the game.
Bellmont hit 22 of 34 from the line and they were led by Mary Bleke’s 6 of 8 effort. Those free throws helped Mary be the only Brave with a double-digit scoring night, a great example of how selfless this team has been all season long.
The Braves, who had eight players score, led 16-6 after one and 27-13 at halftime. They held Mississinewa to just three points in the third quarter to seal the deal.
Already ranked #5 in the state, the Braves’ path to the State Finals in the north got even clearer Saturday after both Columbia City and South Bend St. Joseph lost over the weekend. The only other team to receive votes in the 3A end-of-season poll that is left in the tournament is Connersville.
The Braves will attempt to win their first regional title in 33 years at home Saturday against East Noble, a team that Bellmont defeated in Mid-December (59-37).
Bellmont Scoring: M Bleke 10, Krueckeberg 8, Barton 8, French 7, Caffee 6, A Bleke 5, Kitson 4, Schumm 2
Mississinewa Scoring: Baker 8, Nash 7, Ott 4, Frantz 2, Baledge 2
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