Winning tradition: Despite changes, Bell City eyes a third Class 1 title

A new coach, a new system and a key new player have not hindered Bell City's pursuit of a familiar goal: winning a state championship.

Bell City has won two state titles and reached the state final four three times in the last four years, all under former coach David Heeb. They finished fourth in the state last season.

Former Caruthersville coach Brian Brandtner has taken over the reins of the Cubs this season, and midway through the season Bell City is ranked No. 2 in Class 1.

"Last year, things were quite a bit different," Bell City senior Blaine Stewart said. "We didn't come out of the final four well at the end of the season. We went to state, but couldn't get the job done.

"I feel with what we have now we can get back. Coach Brandtner's done a great job. I think we can get back and finish it up."

Bell City lost just one starter from last year's squad and returned much of its depth.

The Cubs are 12-3 entering the Stoddard County tournament, which begins tonight.

Brandtner said he feels fortunate to have walked into the situation he's in.

"God's blessed me with these kids," Brandtner said. "They work their butts off. They are unselfish. You don't have off-the-court problems. I walked into an unbelievable situation."

The Cubs' success has not come without its share of growing pains. No Cubs player has had to change their game more than senior Jeff Liggins. a 6-foot-2 forward and three-year starter.

Liggins was the second-leading scorer for the Cubs each of the past two seasons, with most of his damage done in the paint. After averaging nearly 14 points last year, Liggins received first-team all-state honors. During the Cubs' championship run in 2004, Liggins averaged nearly 10 points a game.

But with 6-9 junior transfer Will Bogan joining the Cubs this season, Liggins has had to find a new role on the court. Bogan's presence in the post typically draws as many as three defenders to him, making it nearly impossible for Liggins to work down low.

"It has been tough," Liggins said. "It's been a lot more movement. It's just adjusting to it. It's a lot different than fighting in the post."

Liggins' move outside has hurt his scoring but has not stopped him from making his mark. Whether it is through his defense or leadership, Liggins has found a way to contribute to the team in other ways.

"Scoring was never a big thing for me," Liggins said. "I just want to get the job done. I've put a lot of time into my defense. It's a lot different from guarding someone in the post and keeping the ball from them."

Added Brandtner: "His scoring numbers are down, but he brings so many things to the table. He's probably the best defender in the area. He's gone against the best players and done a tremendous job as a lockdown defender."

Liggins is not alone in making changes in his game. Brandtner's system has included major overhauls on both offense and defense.

Stewart said making the adjustment to a new system was tough at first.

"Coach B's a great guy; he knows what he's doing," Stewart said. "Everything runs smoothly. It shows. There's no difference when we're in the games than from practice."

Added Liggins: "It's different, but it's just as good, probably better. He's [coach Brandtner] been playing against some tough teams, so he knows the little stuff."

The Cubs have a new offensive dynamic with the addition of Bogan. Having a player of Bogan's size -- Bogan also weighs more than 300 pounds -- creates a mismatch inside against most small schools. Bell City's guards place an emphasis on getting the ball down low, and they also have more opportunities to shoot with double- and triple-teams on Bogan.

"Every time Will touches the ball, it makes everyone else better," Stewart said. "It's always easier when you've got that big guy inside."

All of the changes have had little effect on the Cubs' results on the court. After losing its season opener to West Memphis, the two-time defending Class 5A Arkansas state champs, Bell City upset Twin Rivers to win the Oran Invitational.

Brandtner said he was a little surprised at how well his team has started its season.

"I thought, no way we'd win the Oran Tournament," Brandtner said. "As far as record, I wasn't looking at wins and losses. As far as our play, we're farther along than I thought we'd be offensively and defensively, and the good thing is we're going to get a lot better.

"That gives me a lot of excitement," he added. "Knowing how good we're going to be. Our losses have been against great teams, and it's exposed our weaknesses, which we've worked on."

Bell City will enter the Stoddard County tournament today in its familiar role of favorite. The Cubs, seeded first, will play No. 8 Woodland at 8:30 p.m. tonight. Puxico is seeded second, followed by Dexter and Advance. The finals are 8:30 p.m. Friday.

"It's hard with the target on your back," senior Garrett McIntyre said. "Everyone wants to beat you, but it's also fun having everyone want to beat you."