{"id":34324,"date":"2026-02-22T02:36:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T07:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?p=34324"},"modified":"2026-02-22T15:24:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T20:24:10","slug":"from-winless-to-state-finals-braves-take-their-place-at-gainbridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/22\/from-winless-to-state-finals-braves-take-their-place-at-gainbridge\/","title":{"rendered":"From winless to State Finals: Braves take their place at Gainbridge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignright is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: IHSAA GBB 3A Semi-State Championship: Norwell vs Connersville\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/75cQOuXDyLkk9YnhSGvOSC?si=28bfae3a80d643ce&amp;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Miss the broadcast? Listen to it here, or find it on our podcast pages on Spotify or Apple Podcasts&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RANDY HISNER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>WZBD.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LOGANSPORT &#8211; For the first time in school history, Bellmont will send its girls\u2019 basketball team to the IHSAA state finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648.jpeg?resize=640%2C573&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?resize=1024%2C917&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?resize=300%2C269&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C688&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1376&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1835&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Braves hoist the trophy!<\/em> <em>(Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Braves completed a dominating day of basketball at the Logansport 3A semistate by following an 11-point win over Culver Academies in the morning game with a 56-41 thrashing of the #11 3A team in the state, the Connersville Spartans, in the championship game.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"2160\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 4096 \/ 2160;\" width=\"4096\" controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Bellmont-Girls-Semi-State-Champs-Short-Video-4K-HEVC.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Video brought to you by Runitback Studios and the sponsors you see in this story. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/p\/SodaHouseLLC-61576192965450\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"471\" height=\"508\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SodaHouse_FullColor_Logosmallname.jpg?resize=471%2C508&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30701\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SodaHouse_FullColor_Logosmallname.jpg?w=471&amp;ssl=1 471w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SodaHouse_FullColor_Logosmallname.jpg?resize=278%2C300&amp;ssl=1 278w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>New storefront open in Decatur!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/21febBellGirlsWrap.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Z Team wraps up a semi-state championship game victory for the Bellmont Braves. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1.png?resize=225%2C225&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33020\" style=\"width:363px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1.png?w=225&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Contact the Indiana National Guard at 6336 Jefferson in Fort Wayne for more information on the next step in your life!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the longtime Bellmont faithful\u2014and there were more than a few in the stands\u2014the pandemonium on the floor after the victory\u2014the jubilant players, the swarming Bellmont students, the tearful parents\u2014was a sweet sight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585.jpeg?resize=640%2C512&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?resize=1024%2C819&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?resize=300%2C240&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C615&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1229&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1639&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6585-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ashley Bleke drives left, taking advantage of a screen set by her sister Mary. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Though it may seem like ancient history to the players, many of whom were in diapers when Andy Heim took over the reins of the program, lots of folks in Decatur remember. It was only 14 years ago that Heim\u2019s inaugural season ended at 5-17, followed by a 5-16 season. And then, just 12 years ago, a winless season, at 0-21.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/HeimSSchampgame.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Coach Andy Heim speaks with Randy Hisner after Saturday&#8217;s win. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saunderstheaters.com\/van-wert-cinema\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"233\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Feb14th2026.jpg?resize=640%2C233&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Feb14th2026.jpg?resize=1024%2C373&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Feb14th2026.jpg?resize=300%2C109&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Feb14th2026.jpg?resize=768%2C280&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Feb14th2026.jpg?w=1099&amp;ssl=1 1099w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Three years later, the Grace Hunter-led Braves were 18-5, and it\u2019s been year after year of success ever since, the team averaging 18 wins over the past nine seasons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Patience and determination and a ton of hard work, from both players and coaches, have paid off\u2014the Braves will play for a state championship next Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630.jpeg?resize=640%2C656&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?resize=999%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 999w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?resize=293%2C300&amp;ssl=1 293w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C787&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?resize=1498%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1498w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?resize=1998%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1998w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6630-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, the semistate final win rested on the two pillars of this team\u2019s success: relentless, tenacious man-to-man defense and a multipronged offensive attack that keeps opponents guessing about which Brave to focus on. Four Braves reached double digits, led by Ashley Bleke with 16 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Junior point guard Kate Kitson said it best: \u201cYeah, I think that&#8217;s what&#8217;s special about this team. Anybody can score any given night. So it&#8217;s hard for teams to scout us because you never know who&#8217;s going to be shooting well or who&#8217;s not.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mrplanners.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOopDeMPPmFHxW6zB_h1IC1eTwPjnOsgI2J8PW9n1wtsMhlOhTxxT\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"161\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?resize=640%2C161&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-31360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?resize=1024%2C258&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?resize=300%2C75&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?resize=768%2C193&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?resize=1536%2C386&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?w=1872&amp;ssl=1 1872w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2016-08-24_171912.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Your home for kitchen cabinetry, bathrooms, windows and doors, right in the heart of Decatur! Check out their website to see how they can help you remodel your home. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>No one illustrated that better than Kitson, who is usually content to handle point guard duties, bringing the ball up the floor, finding open teammates, and generally not looking that hard to score herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KitsonSSchampgame.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kate Kitson discusses the win and going to state with Randy Hisner. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But on Saturday night scoring opportunities presented themselves, and she scored 10 points, including the first two points of the game on a 15-foot jumper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"754\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624.jpeg?resize=640%2C754&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624-scaled.jpeg?resize=869%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 869w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624-scaled.jpeg?resize=255%2C300&amp;ssl=1 255w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C905&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624-scaled.jpeg?resize=1304%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1304w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624-scaled.jpeg?resize=1738%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1738w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6624-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kaitlyn Barton shoots a three from the left corner. She had a pair of threes among her 10 points. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Braves never looked back.&nbsp; The Spartans\u2019 Addison Jones gave her team what turned out to be their last tie of the game at 2-2 with a short jump shot, but then Ashely Bleke hit a layup on an out-of-bounds play and Kaitlyn Barton nailed a three-pointer from the right wing to vault the Braves to a 7-2 lead at the 4:50 mark.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/razzmjazz\"><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\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Proudly supporting local athletes and their coverage on WZBD.com!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Connersville\u2019s strobe-light quick point guard Ahniyah Bennett went coast-to-coast for a layup to make it 7-4. The Braves responded with a 6-0 run, punctuated by Oni Krueckeberg\u2019s three-pointer, to close the quarter with a 13-4 lead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"803\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614.jpeg?resize=640%2C803&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?resize=816%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 816w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?resize=239%2C300&amp;ssl=1 239w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C964&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?resize=1224%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1224w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?resize=1632%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1632w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?w=2041&amp;ssl=1 2041w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6614-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Oni Krueckeberg shows perfect jump shot form as Bellmont students make sure the referee knows it&#8217;s a three-pointer. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Braves\u2019 defense had forced the Spartans into seven turnovers in the period and just five field goal attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"734\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?resize=640%2C734&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33013\" style=\"width:526px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?resize=893%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 893w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?resize=262%2C300&amp;ssl=1 262w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?resize=768%2C881&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?resize=1339%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1339w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?w=1744&amp;ssl=1 1744w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Vintage-Hussle.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI don&#8217;t think we&#8217;ve ever played that good of a defense,\u201d said Heim, whose team held the Spartans to 13 points below their season average of 54.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642.jpeg?resize=640%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642-scaled.jpeg?resize=967%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 967w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642-scaled.jpeg?resize=283%2C300&amp;ssl=1 283w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C813&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642-scaled.jpeg?resize=1451%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1451w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642-scaled.jpeg?resize=1935%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1935w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6642-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Coach Heim makes a point to his players during a time out. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Connersville did revive its offense a bit in the second quarter, scoring 13 points to Bellmont\u2019s 11 to close the gap to 24-17 at the half. Mary Bleke led the Braves\u2019 offense with six points in the period, and Kitson added a short jumper and a pair of free throws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrubletrucks.net\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo.jpg?resize=640%2C493&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14848\" style=\"width:522px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C788&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C231&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C591&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1183&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1577&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/J.Ruble-Logo-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Then came the pivotal third quarter. The teams traded baskets twice early to make it 28-21 at the 4:33 mark, but then the Braves went on a game-altering 9-0 run over the next 3:18, to go up 37-21, their biggest margin of the game so far. The Bleke twins started the rally with two free throws each. Barton hit her second three-pointer of the game, and Ashley Bleke capped the streak with a drive across the lane for a basket. The quarter ended with the Braves still up by 16 at 39-23.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"815\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603.jpeg?resize=640%2C815&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?resize=804%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 804w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?resize=235%2C300&amp;ssl=1 235w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C979&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?resize=1205%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1205w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?resize=1607%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1607w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?w=2009&amp;ssl=1 2009w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6603-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ashley Bleke goes up to block Ahniyah Bennett of Connersville. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a furiously paced final quarter saw the Spartans outscore the Braves 18-17, they never got closer than 13, and the Braves even reached a 20-point lead when back-to-back threes by Kitson and Ashley Bleke made it 50-30 with 4:54 left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609.jpeg?resize=640%2C644&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?resize=1017%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1017w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?resize=298%2C300&amp;ssl=1 298w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C773&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?resize=1526%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1526w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?resize=2035%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 2035w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6609-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kaitlyn Barton eyes a pass to teammate Kate Kitson. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI thought we hit a bunch of big shots,\u201d summarized Heim. \u201cYou know, I like the confidence that Barton showed when she just rose up and took a three when it was about a nine-point game. It&#8217;s a big shot right there. I thought Kate Kitson hit a big shot. It&#8217;s like we&#8217;ve said, we&#8217;ve talked about it. We said, \u2018You know, when you&#8217;re open, shoot.\u2019 It makes me nervous sometimes, but, yeah, we did a really nice job there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/secureselfstor.com\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"358\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Secure-self-Stor-sponsor-1-1.jpg?resize=500%2C358&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Secure-self-Stor-sponsor-1-1.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Secure-self-Stor-sponsor-1-1.jpg?resize=300%2C215&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"599\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599.jpeg?resize=640%2C599&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?resize=1024%2C958&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?resize=300%2C281&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C718&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?resize=1536%2C1437&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?resize=2048%2C1915&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6599-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Mary Bleke hit six of her eight free throws in the championship game. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bellmont scorers: Ashley Bleke 16, Mary Bleke 14, Kitson 10, Barton 10, Krueckeberg 6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"466\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_3228.jpeg?resize=466%2C350&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_3228.jpeg?w=466&amp;ssl=1 466w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_3228.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The Bellmont Braves could hardly contain their excitement after Saturday&#8217;s victory at Logansport. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Connersville scorers: Jones 12, Bennett 10, Serenity Pennington 9, Kendyl Bottomley 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mary Bleke led all rebounders with eight. Bennett was tops in assists with five. Kitson had four for the Braves. Bellmont had 10 turnovers, Connersville 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"745\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627.jpeg?resize=640%2C745&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-34332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627-scaled.jpeg?resize=880%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 880w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627-scaled.jpeg?resize=258%2C300&amp;ssl=1 258w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627-scaled.jpeg?resize=768%2C894&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627-scaled.jpeg?resize=1320%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627-scaled.jpeg?resize=1760%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6627-scaled.jpeg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lanie French muscles her way to the bucket. (Photo by Randy Hisner)<br><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Braves hit 12-of-21 twos (57%), 5-of-15 threes (33%), and 17-of-23 free throws (74%). The Spartans were 17-of-28 on twos (61%), 2-of-8 on threes (25%), and 1of-1 on free throws (100%).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bellmont is scheduled for the 6:00 P.M. championship game next week against the 27-3 and 3A top-ranked Indianapolis Roncalli Royals. Norwell will follow in the 4A championship game against 28-0 Center Grove at 8:15.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>RANDY HISNER WZBD.com LOGANSPORT &#8211; For the first time in school history, Bellmont will send its girls\u2019 basketball<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":34334,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[41,13,15,26],"class_list":["post-34324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","tag-basketball","tag-bellmont","tag-featured","tag-sports"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wzbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6648-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C2294&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34324","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\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34324"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34355,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34324\/revisions\/34355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}