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In the bottom half of the ICC championship double-header Saturday in Claysburg, the Bellwood-Antis girls’ played an Everett squad that they lost to earlier this season. However, all records turn to 0-0 after the regular season, so Bellwood forgot its loss and played inspired.

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Abbey Crider heads down the floor after a defensive stop. (Kerry Naylor)

Getting strong offense from secondary scorers in the second half and hitting its free throws down the stretch, Bellwood won the ICC Championship 59-52.

Coach Swaney was happy with his team’s performance.

“Winning the ICC this year is very special. Winning the North was not as definite as it has been in the past few years and Everett is by far the best team we have played for the ICC championship,” he said.

Things looked bleak in the first quarter with Everett scoring 10 straight to take a 10-6 lead. By the end of the quarter, Bellwood trailed 14-8.

The second quarter proved to be big for Bellwood. They flipped the script and took a three-point lead into halftime, outscoring Everett 19-10 in the frame.

To start the third, a free throw and Alanna Leidig’s back-to-back threes put Bellwood up 10. Just minutes later, Riley D’Angelo hit a pair of treys, extending the Bellwood lead. However, a late run by Everett to end the quarter brought them to within 7, 47-40.

Everett came out to play in the fourth, eventually tying the game up with 3 minutes to play. Bellwood was able to weather the storm and score when they needed to.

“There were many keys to this victory,” added Coach Swaney.  “First, the second half explosion of three-point shots by Riley D’Angelo and Alanna Leidig got us the separation we needed. Second, the defensive effort all night by Caroline Showalter and Sophie Damiano gave us the opportunity to win. Last was Karson Swogger taking over the game in the second and fourth quarters and dominating the game.”

Swogger led Bellwood with her normal 31 points. She also recorded 4 boards and 4 steals.

D’Angelo added 10 points for Bellwood with 4 steals and 4 assists.

“We played well all-around, offensively and defensively. It’s great to win the ICC Championship but districts it’s time to focus on districts,” D’Angelo said.

Alanna Leidig contributed 9 points on 3 treys.

“We got a big win and gained some confidence from it,” said Leidig. “We have to use that confidence and channel it into our upcoming game.”

The girls’ team starts the District playoffs against Ligonier Valley on Wednesday, February 17. The game is at Central Cambria High School and will start at 6:30.