For the third consecutive year, the Bellcate Bulldogs Maroon basketball team took to the hardwood playing against other teams from around chittenden county. Having just opened Bellcate’s new athletic facility, Lily’s Gym, last March, Athletic Director, Jamie Moore thought it was a good idea to schedule all games right here on Bellcate’s campus. “I really wanted to show off our new space to the community,” Moore said. “It’s beautiful, and the kids love to play in front of their home fans,” added Moore.

Having graduated a few key members from last year’s team, the bulldogs of 2019-2020 was comprised of a couple seasoned veterans, and a lot of new faces to the program. “This year’s team was very young,” says coach Jamie. “We were fortunate to have a couple guys who have played in years’ past who really helped the younger guys throughout the season,” Moore added. They worked hard, they supported one another, they didn’t complain, and they represented themselves and their Bellcate family with pride and dignity.” Moore added.

Marcus, Dakota, Colby, and Alex returned from last year’s team. These 4 played a much bigger role this season, as they were starters for every game. “Our 4 core guys were instrumental for us this year,” says coach Sam. “They started every game, showed tremendous leadership and willed the rest of the guys to play their very hardest.” Sam added.

Dylan, Davon, Carter, Ben, and Isaiah were new faces this season. Dylan, who played the role of team manager last season, decided to actually play on the team this year. He stepped into a leadership role from the first practice and was “Captain” for two games this season. Davon, who just started playing basketball less than a year ago, notched his first career basket in a game versus MMU, and made his mark on the defensive end of the court. “Davon was our defensive leader,” says coach Matt. “He anchored us on that end of the court, and he showed some true toughness and grit throughout the season.” Matt added. Carter, also relatively new to the game of basketball, edged his name into Bellcate’s long list of scorers, netting his first career basket in a game versus Vermont Commons. Way to go Carter! Ben, coming off a season where he was ranked one of the top unified players in the state last season, picked up right where he left off. Leading this year’s team in scoring, Ben played a huge role in our team’s success this season. “Ben has an unbelievable ability to score,” coach Jesse says. “He’s a very athletic and gifted player,” Jesse adds. Isaiah was a huge lift off the bench for the Bulldogs this year. His ability to hit the deep shot really stretched out defenses and allowed other guys the opportunity to get the ball to the rim. Isaiah saved his best game of the year for the annual teachers vs. students game, where he scored a game high 19 points, including five 3 pointers! Nice shooting IW!

As the season has ended, we reflect on what a positive experience we had. We competed, we laughed, we cried, we won and we lost, but more importantly, we loved. We loved each other and we loved all of our Bellcate family that supported us along the way. It was a season to remember and something we all should never forget. GO BULLDOGS!