BELLEFONTE — The Bellefonte girls’ basketball team waded into deep water when it matched up against Obama Academy in the 5-A District 6-8 regional championship game at Mount Aloysius on Feb. 25.
The academy, with a big-time recruit and three 6-foot starters, nevertheless had all it could handle from the Lady Raiders before finally escaping with a 12-point win.
Bellefonte led at halftime in that game, and size disadvantage or not, was a short run away from pulling off a big upset before wearing down in the final minutes.
The loss dropped the Raiders down to the No. 2 seed, and they will now enter the PIAA state tournament Saturday, March 11, against a team that has even more impressive credentials than Obama Academy.
That team is Trinity, the No. 3 finisher from District 7.
The Hillers come into the game with a 22-3 record and after a tough loss in the D7 semifinals to eventual champion Chartiers Valley. Trinity had beaten Chartiers earlier in the regular season, but the Hillers faltered down the stretch and lost 47-35. CV then went on to beat Oakland Catholic, 52-36, in the final, with Trinity taking the No. 3 spot.
Trinity is led by all-everything guard and career scoring leader Sierra Kotchman. Kotchman averages 19 points per game and has already signed to play college ball at Fairmont State.
Kotchman, third-team All State last season, obviously draws a lot of attention, but the Hillers present big problems because she’s not alone. Senior forward Abbey O’Connor and junior point guard Alayna Capelli are both returning starters and scoring threats, and they are joined on the starting team by freshman guard Riley DeRubbo and leading rebounder Rachel Lemons.
If that’s not enough, the Hillers play a disciplined game and tight defense. Trinity allows opponents just 34 points per game.
Bellefonte prides itself in its teamwork and positive attitude, and both of those qualities showed in the Obama Academy game. Raiders coach Adam Gearhart and his players will have to ramp it up again for another major challenge, something they seem to relish.
“We’re fighters,” he said after the Obama Academy game, “and you give us a chance, we might jump up and get somebody here. We didn’t do it today, but we can the next time.”
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Bald Eagle Area High.
