Belgreen opens with win over Cherokee

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
Nathan Hamilton scored 23 points and Cody Rikard added 19 on Tuesday as Belgreen defeated Cherokee 63-54 in the season-opener for both teams.
It was also the home opener and the area opener for the Bulldogs, who haved moved up to Class 2A this season.
Belgreen (1-0, 1-0 Class 2A, Area 16) led just 22-14 after a low-scoring first half, but both teams heated up after the break.
The Indians (0-1, 0-1) briefly grabbed a two-point lead in the third quarter before Belgreen pulled away for the win.
Pounders also said the Bulldogs started getting to the foul line more in the latter stages of the second half.
Pounders also saw room for improvement in other areas.
Kelsey Motes added seven points for Belgreen, and Josh Dobbs had six. Avis Smith chipped in with four, and Will Richardson and Josh Smith each finished with two.
Pierre Goodloe led Cherokee with 16 points.
Belgreen hosts Phil Campbell tonight in another area contest.
Girls
Belgreen 61 Cherokee 29
The Lady Bulldogs raced out to a 21-3 lead after one quarter and never looked back in their opening game of the season.
Amanda Hester had 12 points to lead three players in double figures.
Casey Guinn and Holly Nichols each added 10 points.
Belgreen (1-0, 1-0 Class 2A, Area 16) led 34-9 at halftime and 46-11 at the end of the third quarter.
Krystal Elliott led Cherokee (0-1, 0-1) with 12 points.