Team newcomers propel Belgreen boys basketball past Lindsey Lane

The much-anticipated visit from the state of Alabama’s soon-to-be career scoring leader did not disappoint.

On the one hand, many of those in attendance at Nov. 8’s basketball showdown between Belgreen and Lindsay Lane Christian Academy were dazzled by the play of superstar Tommy Murr. On the other hand, the home team got the win, as Belgreen beat Lindsey Lane 84-72.

“We played really hard,” said new Belgreen coach Marty Cooper. “We played as a team. There are many things that need to be corrected, but that is to be expected in the first game.”

Murr hit his average, scoring 47 points by nailing six three-pointers and making all 15 free throw attempts. Murr scored seven points in the first quarter, 13 in the second, 13 in the third and 14 in the fourth. That is an average night for most teams as a whole.

For Belgreen, the Russellville transfers Will and Collin Bonner combined for 49 of Belgreen’s 84 points. Will Bonner scored 29 points, including going 11 for 12 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, while his brother Collin added 20 points.

Scout Bragwell also scored in double figures with 12 points.

Belgreen led Lindsey Lane 20-17 at the end of the first quarter and extended that lead to 37-30 by halftime. Lindsey Lane closed the gap to five in the third quarter, 57-52. The Bulldogs, behind Will Bonner’s free-throw shooting, were able to hang on for the win in the fourth quarter.

Rounding out the scoring for Belgreen was Bryant Hubbert with eight points, Isac Willingham with seven points, David Plott with five points and Canaan Stough with three points.

Belgreen girls go inside to dominate

It was a sweep for Belgreen with a girls’ victory over Lindsay Lane. Emma Dempsey and Ansley Tate dominated the paint and combined for 49 points to lead the Belgreen Bulldogs to a blowout win.

The Bulldogs outscored Lindsey Lane 41-16 in the second and third quarters en route to a 65-35 win.

Dempsey led with 25 points, going 11 of 16 from the free-throw line. Tate scored 24 points.

Belgreen led 19-13 at the end of the first quarter and extended the lead to 40-23 at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, the Bulldogs led 60-29 and cruised to an easy win.

Katie Dempsey added seven points for Belgreen. Autumn Bragwell had six points and Gracie Dempsey three points.

Madelyn Dizon scored 25 of Lindsey Lane’s 35 points.