The Bulldogs gold basketball team opened up their first ever season in the interscholastic unified basketball league by splitting a pair of games with Montpelier and Milton High schools last week. This marks another first in Bellcate history, as the Bulldogs won their first VPA unified basketball game by beating a feisty Montpelier team 32-24 on Wednesday.

Lead by strong scoring performances by Abdi and Alex, the rest of the Bulldogs squad followed their lead and stepped up to play enormous roles in giving Bellcate the win. Marissa, who has been a Bellcate stand out athlete since the day she arrived on campus, notched her first ever 3 pointer early in the second quarter to increase Bellcate’s lead headed into halftime. Playing in their first ever Bellcate basketball games, Isaiah and Callie shook off some pre-game jitters and stepped onto the court with a fury and contributed immediately to the team’s success. Callie grabbed a team high 6 rebounds and was a dominant presence on the lower half of the 2-3 zone the Bulldogs were playing. Isaiah, wearing the number 20 he picked out months ago in excitement for the season to start, joined an accomplished group of Bellcate basketball players on the school’s all time scoring list by collecting 4 points on 2 for 5 shooting. “Callie wasn’t messing around in this game. She was tenacious on the defensive side of the ball, and we will need her to continue doing so throughout the season,” explains Jamie Moore Bellcate’s head coach. “As for Isaiah, there have been some great players to enter into Bellcate’s all time scoring list, and now like some of the greats, his name can be carved on that list.” adds Moore. “I thought about giving him the game ball after he made his first shot, but then I remembered we needed a ball to play with, so I figured a shout out in the write up would do!” says Moore. Keith, Eric, Ashley, and Kyron all played very well with rebounding and making great passes to their teammates. Marcus, who played a pivotal role on Bellcate’s maroon team, was in attendance cheering on his teammates, but was unable to play due to a sore ankle. “It was a great way to start the season” says Bulldog assistant coach Jac Treanor. “I am really looking forward to this season and seeing what our kids can do.”

The Bulldogs had a quick turn around as they set off on the road less than 24 hours later to play a well coached Milton team at their home arena. The Bulldogs met in Pangea before departing school to go over some ins and outs on what to expect from this Yellow Jacket’s team. “I could tell our team was ready” explains Bulldog assistant Heather Jillson. “At one point during the meeting, I looked over at Isaiah and he was taking imaginary jump shots while in his seat. Then I looked over at Callie and she had her arms up like she was rebounding a ball!” Jillson added.

The game started with the Bulldogs jumping into the lead, lead by Abdi and Alex once again. The two of them were able to get out in transition and make some things happen in the open floor. “We talked about how we wanted to run in our pre-game meeting” says Moore. As a coach, I was very impressed with them listening during our meeting, and putting our game plan in on the court.” Marissa got her name in the scoring book by making a nice 6 footer, and Callie and Isaiah were all over the floor doing all the little things. The Bulldogs took a lead into halftime, but coach Moore knew that the game was never over with this Yellow Jacket’s team. “I told the kids at halftime that this team would not go away.” “They were a tough group of kids, and they played with a lot of heart. That is a scary combination when you are playing against a team like that” added Moore. Sure enough the Yellow Jackets came out on fire! Lead by Keagan , The yellow jackets stormed back into the game and took the lead with just under a minute left. “Keagan is one heck of a player. Watching him and Abdi go back and forth exchanging baskets was like watching Lebron and Kobe go at it before Kobe retired. Before the game in the captain’s meeting, I told Keagan to take it easy on us, he said he would… Well if that’s how he takes it easy I would be scared to coach against him if he wasn’t!” adds Moore. After an unbelievable acrobatic shot by Abdi to give the Bulldogs the lead, Milton called a time out and set up a play. With 7 seconds left, Milton took the ball out of bounds and dribbled the ball up the court. Keagan, who had been on fire the last few minutes of the game, had the chance to shoot and win the game for his team. Keagan then made a pass to his teammate Gabe on the low block. Gabe took the pass, turned to the hoop, shot the ball, got fouled and made it with 1.8 seconds on the clock! And 1 for Gabe! “I think everyone in the gym was expecting Keagan to take that last shot, I know I was” said Moore after the game. That just shows the type of kid he is. He’s a team player and a real winner in my book.” added Moore. Gabe was not able to complete the 3 point play, giving the Bulldogs one last shot. As their last chance heroics failed, The Yellow Jackets stormed the court and surrounded their hero, Gabe before lining up to shake the Bulldogs’ hands. “I would be lying to you if I said I was not a little upset about losing the game.” says Moore. “But more than being upset, I was overjoyed with love in my heart for all the players on both teams that played the game with respect and class. I could not be happier for Gabe and the rest of the Milton Yellow Jackets, and I am very proud of my basketball team for handling a tough loss with great sportsmanship.” says Moore. Great game!

The Bulldogs will be back in action this week with their home opener on April 5th at the EAC. Doors will open at 3 for spectators and tip off will be at 3:30. The Bulldogs will then be on the road the following day in St. Albans for another 3:30 tip off. Please check our website calendar for all of our future games. Go Bulldogs!