BELLEVUE WOMEN HOOPSTERS UNDEFEATED IN LEAGUE PLAY
January 22, 2013

Alexis Berrysmith had eight points in the win over Edmonds. photo by Rich Dworkis

On Wednesday, Jan. 16, the Bulldogs women’s basketball team hosted the Edmonds Tritons in the Courter Family Athletic Pavilion. The game started off well for the Bulldogs, getting out to an early lead despite poor shooting from the floor. At the half, Bellevue led by 13, 31-18. In the second half, the Tritons were able to trade baskets with the Bulldogs but, fortunately for Bellevue, despite having a bit of an off-night, they were able to secure the victory 56-41. For the Bulldogs, AC DenHartog led the way pulling off a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Demarea Caples chipped in nine points and five rebounds while freshman Alexis Berrysmith contributed eight points and seven rebounds. Chanel Cambronero had six steals with five assists, and Airashay Rogers added eight points and four rebounds. A bright spot for the Bulldogs was their defense, committing only seven fouls for the game. With Wednesday’s win the Bulldogs remained undefeated in league play and tied with Whatcom at 4-0 for the top spot in the North Region.

Then, on Saturday, the Bulldogs traveled to Bellingham to battle Whatcom for first place. The first half was a defensive battle and with both teams working hard on defense, the result was a tight half time score of Bellevue 20, Whatcom 19. While both teams were shooting less than 30% from the floor in the first half, the difference for Bellevue was managing 70% of their free-throws against only 50% for Whatcom. In the second half, Bellevue continued to put up a strong defense, but also got their offense rolling. The Bulldogs were able to defend at a high level without committing fouls (12 for the game), extending their half time lead, and grabbing an important road win 57-45. Leading the way for the Bulldogs offensively was DenHartog, hitting her second double-double in as many games with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Two other Bulldogs scored in double-digits:  Rogers with 12 points and Caples with 10.  Maddison Rankin and Cambronero drew the full court duties, picking up the opposing point guard full court all night, while Rogers drew the tough guard match up.  “Our team defense was very impressive through the contest,” said Bulldogs assistant coach Angela Jensen. “We have really picked up the intensity on defense and have done it without trying to block shots and reach for steals. It makes it tough on opposing teams to run their stuff when we all defend.” The win over Whatcom gave Bellevue sole possession of first place in the North Region at 5-0, 12-6 for the year. Bulldogs host the next two games at home. On Wednesday, Jan. 23, Bellevue goes up against perennial rival Skagit Valley College (3-2, 11-7), with tip-off at 5:30 p.m. The Bulldogs then close the first half of league play at home on Sunday, Jan. 26, at 4:00 p.m. against the Peninsula Pirates (3-2, 8-7), a team always full of surprises. Make time to join us!