By Tressa Bragwell for the FCT

Balls bouncing, shoes screeching and cheers of “Here we go Bulldogs, here we go!” filled the gym as Belgreen’s junior high athletes took the court for the first time this season. All three teams took strong wins Oct. 20.

Hosting county opponent East Franklin, the seventh and eighth grade boys opened up the season for the Bulldog basketball program. Scout Bragwell, seventh grader, led all scorers with 15. David Plott (eighth) and Will Donahoe (seventh) both put up 14, and fellow seventh grader Isac Willingham got 13. Setting the pace early, the new seventh and eighth grade team defeated the Rebels 56-20.

Team members are Alex Betts, Scout Bragwell, Will Donahoe, Armando Gonzalez, David Plott, Holden Sikes, Lane Turbyfill and Isac Willingham.

The ninth grade girls took the court following the win by the seventh and eighth grade boys. Returning three starters from last year, the girls were ready for the contest.

Emma Willingham led with 12 points, and Camie Terrell and Kaycee Wilson followed with seven points each. The final score was 52-23.

Team members are Maria Estrada, Megan Smith, Camie Terrell, Kayla Williams, Emma Willingham, Kaycee Wilson, Gracie Dempsey, Katie Dempsey, Krista Sikes and Ansley Tate.

The ninth grade boys took the stage in what would be the third straight strong victory of the night, finishing 65-23 over the East Franklin Rebels. Ninth grader Brant Bragwell dominated the scoring category with 35, and fellow ninth grader Gaven Taylor contributed 10.

Team members are Brant Bragwell, Koster Bryant, Chad Gentry, Landon Hill, Trey Mann, Gaven Taylor, Tanner Warhurst, Taylor Welch and Trey Willingham.

Thursday night, all four of teams traveled to county rival Phil Campbell. The seventh and eighth grade girls saw their first action of the season and dominated the court. Getting a quick jumpstart on the Lady Bobcats, the Bulldog girls continued to keep the Lady Bobcats at bay, the final score being 29-17 with guard Emmie Scott and post player Emma Dempsey both getting ten points.

Team members are Autumn Bragwell, Ali Davis, Emma Dempsey, MaKayla Lane, Bailey Oliverm, Baylee Reynolds, Emmie Scott, Kelsey Wilson and Bailey Wood.

The seven and eighth grade boys came away with a victory in a back and forth contest with the Bobcats. Getting the win 38-33, Donahoe led all scores with 16. The ninth grade girls won in a blowout over the Lady Bobcats 4-13; Tate and Williams led the way with ten points each. The ninth grade boys coasted to a 45-19 win; Bragwell and Taylor both had 16 points.