Leopards stun Tigers, 45-43
By Jeremy Sellew
jsellew@yourmvi.com
Two days ago, Belle Vernon Area girls basketball coach Ronnie Drennen made a statement with the utmost confidence.
“We have a big two games coming up. McKeesport and Southmoreland, and we’re going to beat one or both of them,” Drennen said.
On Thursday, the Leopards checked one of those off the list.
Belle Vernon was able to overcome 21 turnovers and hit key free throws at the end to hold on for a 45-43 win over the Tigers in Section 3-4A play.
The celebration was halted briefly until referees waved off Jhayla Bray’s putback off a missed free throw. The senior forward dominated the glass all night, but her shot was a half-second too late and didn’t leave her hands in time.
“I definitely think this is that one game. The game a young team needs to learn how to win and play in that pressure situation,” Drennen said. “I am extremely proud of them. I believed in them, I trusted them and they trusted each other.”
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