BULLDOG HUMPHRIE HAMMERS IN 30, LEADS BC TO VICTORY OVER OLYMPIC
January 9, 2011

Jon Humphrie led Bellevue with 30 points as the Bulldogs won their league opener in close fashion. photo by Rich Dworkis

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the Bellevue Bulldogs men’s basketball team opened North Division play with a trip to Bremerton to face the Olympic College Rangers. During the ferry ride to Bremerton, the Bulldogs received the news that they had moved to number one in the NWAACC Coaches' Poll. This was the first time since the 2008-2009 season that the Bulldogs held the top spot in the poll.

Olympic College came into the game ready to knock Bellevue from its perch quickly. Olympic used a zone defense to slow down the high-scoring Bulldog offense. The Rangers were up by as many as 10 points in the first half, but had to settle for a 36-31 half time lead. Bellevue came out strong in the second half and erased the deficit within the first two minutes of play. Bellevue was led by an inspired second half performance from sophomore team co-captain Jon Humphrie who scored 21 of his 30 points in the second half, including two important 3-point shots and eight rebounds. His performance led Bellevue to victory and helped secure the 74-72 road win. 

The Bulldogs also received a big performance from sophomore team co-captain Rex Nelson as he finished with a double-double, chalking up 21 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Keaton Hayenga added nine points and seven rebounds. His dunk to start play in the second half sparked the Bulldog run that led to their second-half lead.

Bellevue men (1-0, 11-0) host their first North Division home game on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. against Skagit Valley College (0-2, 4-6). Bellevue looks to remain undefeated on the year while Skagit comes into the game looking for their first North region win.