Bell City sets up battle with Braves

OAK RIDGE -- The Bell City boys basketball team has been ranked in the top three in Class 1 throughout the season, and entered the Class 1 District 2 tournament at Oak Ridge as heavy favorites.

The Cubs did not rest on their laurels, winning their three district games by an average of 45.3 points a game. They finished off their fifth straight district title with a 78-40 victory against Oran on Thursday in the championship game.

"We came in just working hard all week, just trying to get through the district here and move on," Bell City senior Blaine Stewart said.

The top-seeded Cubs (25-4) will play Scott County Central on Tuesday at Central Junior High in a sectional game.

After pulling off a minor upset in Tuesday's semifinals, the third-seeded Eagles could not keep pace with the top-seeded Cubs. Oran even got its share of breaks early in the game, as 6-foot-10 center Will Bogan picked up two fouls in the opening period for Bell City.

Bogan went on to pick up his third foul less than 3 minutes into the second, putting Oran back on a level playing field inside. Oran could not take advantage, though, as Bell City outscored Oran 19-12 in the quarter with Bogan on the bench.

"We were fortunate we got Bogan in foul trouble, we just couldn't get it in there and capitalize," Oran coach Jason Andrews said. "When things aren't going good, it's tough to stick to your game plan."

The game was not completely out of reach at the half -- Bell City led 40-22 -- but things it was not long before that changed. Bogan scored 11 in the third, dominating down low, and Bell City scored 26 to open up a 30-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Bell City was able to get out and run in the third, something which was nearly impossible in the opening half. The two teams combined for 25 fouls in the opening half and 32 free throw attempts.

"We didn't have the flow we wanted the first half as far as getting up the floor, that's a strength of our team," Bell City coach Brian Brandtner said. "But we still persevered."

Nick Niemczyk led the Cubs with 20 points. Bogan finished with 16, and seniors Stewart and Jeff Liggins had 17 and 14 points, respectively.

Brandtner said the work of his seniors through the course of the season was key to winning the district title.

"They've been all showing great leadership," Brandtner said. "This senior group, I credit these guys with how we play."

Chris Asmus led the Eagles with nine points. After knocking down seven 3-pointers in the semifinals, Steven Mock finished with just six points and no 3s.

"We tried to stay with him all night," Brandtner said. "I thought every 3-pointer they took was contested."

Oran finished 12-14. The Eagles won just four games last year, and will lose only one senior.

"I felt like we overachieved in many facets this year," Andrews said. "We've come a long way this year.

"These kids next year they have a chance to be really good," he added. "Who knows what can happen next year."

The Cubs will meet Scott County Central for the third straight year in the sectional round. Bell City has made consecutive trips to the state final four, but will be making its first run through the state playoffs under Brandtner.

Tuesday's matchup has been anticipated since former Bell City coach David Heeb left the Cubs for Scott County Central following last season. This will be the first meeting between Heeb and his old team.

"I think the fans are probably looking forward to it more," Brandtner said. "I could care less who we play."

Bell City 78, Oran 40

Oran 10 12 14 4 -- 40

Bell City 21 19 26 12 -- 78

ORAN (40) -- Chris Asmus 9, Steven Mock 6, Chase Seyer 4, Robert Lange 6, Jordon Mason 4, Kody Campbell 5, Hunter Glastetter 4, Jake Kluesner 2. FG 13, FT 12-13, F 22 (3-pointers: Campbell 1. Fouled out: none)

BELL CITY (78) -- Nick Niemczyk 20, Blaine Stewart 17, Will Bogan 16, Jeff Liggins 14, Phillip Gross 7, Garrett McIntyre 4. FG 31, FT 16-31, F 17 (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none)