Post Messenger Recorder -

The Belleville girls basketball team traveled to Poynette on Tuesday, December 10th, to take on the tough Poynette Pumas. Poynette was coming off a victory over New Glarus the previous week, and has been playing very good basketball so far this season. The game started with Poynette jumping out to a 10-point lead over the Wildcats in the first half but Belleville played hard and by half-time the lead was down to just four. During halftime, Coach Pharo said the team made some defensive adjustments, and he was very happy with the high energy the Wildcats brought out of the locker room in the second half to keep the remainder of the game tight.

Belleville was able to jump out to a 6-point lead with two minutes to go, but Poynette scored two 3-pointers in the last minute tying the game with only 12 seconds to go. After a final Belleville timeout, the ball was inbounded to Mickey Stampfl, who drove the ball down the floor and was fouled going in for a shot. She was able to make one of two free throws to put the Wildcats up by one with eight seconds left in the game. Sophomore Callie Smith was able to pull in the offensive rebound on the missed free throw and was also fouled, allowing her to take her turn at the line. She also made one of her two free throw attempts, which put Belleville up by two points with only 2.7 seconds left on the clock. Poynette took one last attempt at a desperation shot in the last second and fell short, leaving the final score at 63-61 with Belleville coming home with an exciting victory.

Belleville had a very balanced scoring attack with four players scoring double figures. They were led by Ava Foley's 14, Erin Kittleson and Mickey Stampfl's 12 points, and Jenna Shrader with 11.

The Belleville Girls basketball team hosted Potosi-Cassville on Friday, December 13th. This was also Belleville's Youth Night, where all the youth players were recognized.

Potosi jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead but after Coach Pharo called a quick timeout, the Belleville girls were able to get their legs under them and went to work. By halftime Belleville had built a 33-19 lead and took that momentum into the second half beating a very tall and athletic Chieftain team, 62-48.

This night turned out to be a very special night for senior Jenna Shrader, who was able to lead the Wildcats with five 3-pointers and finish the game with 17 points. She also led the Wildcats in rebounding with 11 rebounds. Erin Kittleson and Ava Foley added 10 and 9 points, respectively.

Belleville will travel to Albany on Friday, December 20th to attempt to extend their winning streak to six games before the holiday break.