Belgreen heats up at Phillips to win area title

Belgreen’s Chase Landers makes a jump shot in Monday’s 1A, Area 15 boys’ championship game. Photo by Bart Moss.

By Bart Moss

For the FCT

The threat of freezing rain and snow may have forced an early start to the 1A, Area 15 championship game on Monday, but it didn’t deter a huge overflow crowd from packing the gymnasium at Phillips High School to watch Belgreen scorch Phillips 72-62.

In the first quarter the Belgreen Bulldogs were as hot inside as it was cold outside. The Bulldogs, notorious for their sharp shooting three-point skills, nailed seven three-pointers in the first quarter alone as the Bulldogs took a 25-9 lead early in the game.

“We came out hot today,” Belgreen coach Patrick Odom said.

“I told our guys we were going to have to fight hard for 32 minutes. Phillips is a good team. I’m proud of the way we were able to stave off their comeback late in the game.”

Chase Landers had the hot hand for the Bulldogs scoring 32 points in the game, 19 of which came in the first quarter. Will Barnwell added 15 points for Belgreen.

Landers said the loss to Phillips in January was a motivating force.

“We felt we had some unfinished business here,” Landers said.

“We had a chip on our shoulder and wanted a rematch. It’s great to be in the position we are in. We are area champions and get to play at home Friday night. We need a big, loud crowed Friday night at Belgreen.”

Belgreen led by as many as 20 points early in the second half.  Phillips fought back and cut the Bulldog lead to 12 by the end of the third quarter. The Bears cut the gap to seven points late in fourth quarter but the Bulldogs held off the rally.

Belgreen will host Covenant Christian Friday night at 7 o’clock.