MEN'S BASKETBALL WINS REGIONAL OPENER
January 3, 2008

The BCC Men's Basketball team started off league play with an 85-81 victory on January 2 over the visiting Trojans of Everett Community College. Everett and BCC both faired well in the pre-season, accumulating identical 8-4 records.

A high scoring first half saw the Trojans take an early 11-5 lead, but BCC stormed back to lead 48-45 at intermission. The second half was a back and forth battle, featuring 4 ties and 11 lead changes. Sophomore Steve Wiseley hit a late three to give the Bulldogs breathing room, and Sam Cartmell sealed the game with a key defensive rebound in the final seconds as Bellevue won their league opener for the third consecutive year.

Wiseley scored 9 points and dished out 7 assists, while Cartmell chipped in 11 points and 4 rebounds. The Bulldogs exploited a significant size and strength advantage inside with 6'6" forwards Josh Monagle (21 points, 14 rebounds) and Michael Duty (17 points 8 rebounds) both going to work down low. The Bulldogs racked up a season high 29 offensive rebounds and shot 29 free throws to Everett's 16.

In the end, it was Bellevue's defense on the perimeter that proved to be the difference. Everett, a dangerous three point shooting team, was held to just 27 percent (10 for 37) shooting from the three point line, and the Bulldogs were able to hold Trojan sharpshooter Jon Moe to 14 points and 1 for 11 shooting from three. Everett was without two starters due to injury and illness, and also saw starter Daes Kaufman leave the game early in the first half with an apparent ankle injury.

Next, Bellevue travels north to take on Edmonds Community College on Saturday, January 5. Tip time for that game is at 7:30pm.