Instead of packing it in and writing it off as a forgotten season, Bellefontaine’s boys basketball team has tapped into its best play of the season.
Coming off a win over Tecumseh on Friday, the Chiefs continued their momentum into Saturday’s matchup with visiting Xenia, pulling out a 50-48 victory for their third win in the last four games.
“To have the guys continue to fight like this, I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said BHS head coach Jason Calton. “Coming into this weekend, we felt like these were two winnable games. The guys went out there and played with confidence. Xenia’s coach told me after the game that our guys just wanted it more than they did. As a coach, it’s always a good feeling to be told something like that.” It was a close battle throughout between the Chiefs and Buccs.
Bellefontaine (3-18) led 11-9 after one period and the Chiefs held a 27-24 lead at halftime.
Xenia (5-17) grabbed the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Bellefontaine 18-10 to go up 42-37.
The Chiefs answered with their own run in the final period. They used a 13-6 spurt to grab the two-point win.
“It was a tight battle the whole game and our guys fought until the end,” said Calton. “We came up with some big free throws down the stretch. We were five-of-six at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, so it was good to see the guys hit free throws when we needed them.”
Declan Ashcraft sparked Bellefontaine with 14 points. Maverick Calton had 12 points, Jarrid Baughman scored eight and Brett Belser chipped in six points.
“Everyone contributed this weekend,” said Calton. “It was definitely a team effort.”
In junior varsity action, Xenia won 61-34. Robby Wildermuth led the Chieftains with 11 points.
Bellefontaine will wrap up the regular season Tuesday at West Carrollton in a game that was postponed last week.