{"id":23363,"date":"2025-01-19T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?p=23363"},"modified":"2025-01-20T07:42:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T12:42:34","slug":"defense-wins-braves-biggest-prize-of-regular-season-victory-over-norwell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/19\/defense-wins-braves-biggest-prize-of-regular-season-victory-over-norwell\/","title":{"rendered":"Defense wins Braves biggest prize of regular season &#8211; victory over Norwell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>DANE FUELLING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>WZBD.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note: Our coverage of Bellmont basketball this season is supported by the Bellmont Basketball Booster Club. If you&#8217;d like to advertise on WZBD.com and support our coverage, contact the station or e-mail Dane at dane@wzbd.com for more information. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was ugly from the start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between winning ugly and playing good defense is often very little. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Saturday night for the Bellmont Braves, the difference was turnovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Playing at home in front of their biggest crowd in recent memory, the Braves began their game against their biggest  rivals with the ugly and ended it with victory, but one thing never changed &#8211; hard-nosed defense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"#8 Norwell at #5 Bellmont - HS Girls&#039; Basketball on WZBD\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gdt1Vk8guIQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was ultimately the difference between two teams that may have their minds on a potential rematch in the sectional after Bellmont won 47-44, but with the way this season has gone so far, it&#8217;s hard to imagine one of these teams NOT making a deep run in this year&#8217;s 3A state tournament. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/18janBellNorPostGameAnalysis.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Z Team analyzes a thrilling game between Bellmont and Norwell Saturday night. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Which one of the two teams it is &#8211; that is yet to be determined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2323-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Emotions ran high Saturday night because of the rivalry, but both teams and fan bases took a moment before tip-off to listen to Mike Macke describe his co-worker and friend, Dale Manis, who passed away last week. Macke held together his emotions as he read the tribute, then delivered a stirring and heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Norwell led early but the Knights were unable to take advantage of a cold shooting start for the home team, leading just 7-5 after one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They continued to pressure Bellmont and cause turnover after turnover in the second quarter, holding the Braves to just three made field goals in the period and taking a 22-14 lead into the locker rooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3175-1-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The BHS student section was loud and vocal in their support of the home team Saturday night. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The lead went all the way to 13 points for coach Eric Thornton, whose Knights reached the state title game last season, but Bellmont caught fire and freshman Ashley Bleke, who was held scoreless in the first half, found her groove, getting to the line and ultimately getting the Braves on level terms at 30-30. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"958\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609.jpg?resize=640%2C958&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?resize=684%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 684w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1150&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?resize=1026%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1026w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?resize=1368%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1368w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C1533&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?w=1710&amp;ssl=1 1710w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2609-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ashley Bleke takes a shot in front of the Norwell bench and student section Saturday night. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A layup by Lanie French with 40 seconds to play in the third gave the Braves their very first lead in the contest at 33-32. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vanwertcinemas.com\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jan18th25.jpg?resize=640%2C233&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jan18th25.jpg?resize=1024%2C373&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jan18th25.jpg?resize=300%2C109&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jan18th25.jpg?resize=768%2C280&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Jan18th25.jpg?w=1099&amp;ssl=1 1099w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Both teams scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and senior Emily Bleke kept the Braves in the lead when she knocked down two giant free throws (despite some interference from opposing fans) in the final minute. The Knights hurt their own cause by hitting just four of seven shots from the free throw line in the final quarter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3342-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Emily Bleke calmly knocks down the free throws that ice the game for the Braves. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Vanessa Rosswurm was key in helping Norwell to jump out to the early lead and she finished as the game&#8217;s leading scorer with 13. She was also key in ratcheting up the defense early and forcing turnovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2761-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bellmont found penetration (see above) in the second half, though, and the combination of Emily Bleke and Ashley Bleke, combined with the 14-rebound game of Mary Bleke, gave the Braves a chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613.jpg?resize=640%2C960&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1365w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?w=1707&amp;ssl=1 1707w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2613-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mary Bleke turns one of her 14 rebounds into a bucket against Norwell in the second quarter. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"261\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?resize=640%2C261&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?resize=1024%2C418&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?resize=300%2C122&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?resize=768%2C313&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?resize=1536%2C627&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?w=1838&amp;ssl=1 1838w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Billboard-ad-at-Parr-Rd.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another freshman, Kaitlyn Barton, played a key role with her ability to create chances with the dribble. Barton and Kate Kitson knocked down two big threes in the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2448-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kaitlyn Barton draws contact near the basket against Norwell. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/18janBell47Nor44GirlsWrap.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Z Team wraps up Bellmont&#8217;s win over Norwell Saturday. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"942\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=640%2C942&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=696%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 696w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=204%2C300&amp;ssl=1 204w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=768%2C1130&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=1044%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1044w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=1392%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1392w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?resize=1024%2C1506&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?w=1622&amp;ssl=1 1622w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2513.1.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Emily Bleke scores a bucket in transition after picking the pocket of a Norwell guard. (Photo by Tara Riehm)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ashley Bleke finished with ten points and the Braves were led by Emily Bleke with twelve. Barton had nine and Mary Bleke had four. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:66.54471%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2404-1-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2404-1-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2404-1-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2404-1-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2404-1-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 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src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2727-1024x683.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 6 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/RazzMJazz.jpg?resize=640%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/RazzMJazz.jpg?w=975&amp;ssl=1 975w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/RazzMJazz.jpg?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/RazzMJazz.jpg?resize=768%2C473&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Proud sponsor of high school cheerleading on WZBD.com!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=2000&#038;ssl=1 2000w\" alt=\"\" data-height=\"1707\" data-id=\"23391\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?attachment_id=23391\" data-url=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg\" data-width=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3389-1024x683.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1200&#038;ssl=1 1200w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1500&#038;ssl=1 1500w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=1800&#038;ssl=1 1800w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?strip=info&#038;w=2000&#038;ssl=1 2000w\" alt=\"\" data-height=\"1707\" data-id=\"23392\" data-link=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?attachment_id=23392\" data-url=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg\" data-width=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_3378-1024x683.jpg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The Braves have two conference games remaining &#8211; Friday at Huntington North and the following Friday at home against Leo. They will be heavy favorites in both as they hope to complete a spotless 7-0 NE8 record before shooting for their ultimate goal &#8211; a sectional title. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad.jpg?resize=640%2C533&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4081\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C853&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C250&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C640&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1280&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1707&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Web-Ad-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Coach Andy Heim&#8217;s team is now 16-2 and they could end the year with as many victories as the other four teams not named Norwell in the sectional combined (Mississinewa, Marion &#8211; 8; New Haven &#8211; 2; Heritage &#8211; 1), leaving most to expect that the eventual Norwell vs. Bellmont rematch will be the de facto title game, not matter when it takes place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest difference in &#8220;Part Deux&#8221; of this rivalry in 2025?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Norwell will host Sectional 22.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DANE FUELLING WZBD.com Note: Our coverage of Bellmont basketball this season is supported by the Bellmont Basketball Booster<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23375,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[41,13,15,46,26],"class_list":["post-23363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-basketball","tag-bellmont","tag-featured","tag-norwell","tag-sports"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2460-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23363"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23393,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23363\/revisions\/23393"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}