The Belgreen Bulldogs picked up a big area win last week, toppling the defending Class 1A state champions Phillips 57-45.

“We played really well,” said Belgreen Coach Chad Green. “We defended well, shot well,and posted up well. We made some turnovers in the second and third quarters, but we gutted it out in the end, making some big free throws.”

Belgreen’s win was filed in large part thanks to all three of the Dempsey sisters. Emma Dempsey led the Bulldogs with 15 points, going eight for 10 from the free-throw line. Gracie Dempsey followed with 13 points, eight of which came in the first quarter. Katie Dempsey had 12 points, eight of which came in the first half of play.

Belgreen raced out to a 19-9 first quarter lead and led 34-21 at halftime. Phillips whittled away at the lead in the third quarter, cutting the Bulldogs’ advantage to 44-35.

“We built up a 19-point lead in the second quarter, but Phillips cut it to three points in the fourth quarter,” said Green. “We made our shots late to give us the win.”

Autumn Bragwell and Ansley Tate rounded out Belgreen’s scoring with nine points and eight points respectively.

Phillips’ Aly McCollum led all scorers with 20 points.

Belgreen 75, Brilliant 19

The Belgreen Bulldogs totally dominated the Brilliant Tigers 75-19 to cap off a special Homecoming night. Bulldog senior forward Tate was crowned the school’s Homecoming Queen. Tate added seven points to her special night.

Belgreen put the game away quickly, blowing past Brilliant 30-5 in the first quarter. Belgreen led 55-10 by halftime and cruised to the easy win.

Belgreen 54, Winfield 52

Tate had a dominating inside game to held lead Belgreen past Class 4A Winfield in a close one, 54-52.

“This was a really good road win for us against a very good basketball team,” said Green.

Tate led Belgreen with 23 points in the game.

Belgreen 58, Red Bay 28

After a slow start, the Belgreen Bulldogs ran away from the Red Bay Tigers for an easy 58-28 win.

Belgreen led 11-8 at the end of the first quarter but outscored the Tigers 47-20 the rest of the way.

Belgreen had four players in double figures, led by Autumn Bragwell with 16 points. Gracie Dempsey added 12 points, Kaley Chandler 11 points and Tate with 10 points. Emma Dempsey scored eight points, and Katie Dempsey scored one point.

Destiny McCollister scored seven points for Red Bay. Kylee James had six points, Macy Faulkner four points and Emma McCollister three points. Alexis Tabbs, Kirsten Scott and Hanna Grace Green scored two points each. Audrey Ehler and Kaylie Lindley had one point each.