MACHESNEY PARK – Belvidere’s summer basketball team turned some heads by winning five of its first six games. But then injuries and other factors set in, with the Bucs losing five of their last six to wind up 6-6 overall.
They played two games in the season-ending tournament July 9, first losing 44-36 to host Harlem. Then, in the battle for seventh place in the 16-team field, they were defeated by Beloit, Wis., Memorial, 62-48.
Belvidere played Harlem earlier in the season and rolled to a 64-44 victory.
It was a one-point game at halftime; then the Bucs caught fire and hit a number of 3-point baskets to break open the tight game.
July 9 was a different story, however. While they got some good looks at the basket the 3s weren’t falling and this time Harlem was able to build a 12-point halftime lead, 26-14.
The Bucs actually took an early 6-2 advantage with 15:45 remaining in the first half. But they were outscored 24-8 the rest of the way and were never able to fully recover.
They did make a statement early in the second half when Joe Byers put back a missed shot to launch a 12-2 run that pulled Belvidere to within 30-26.
That was made possible by a series of Huskie missed shot and turnovers, to which Belvidere countered with points from Kane Steger, Byers and Garrett Hyser. Josh Hauser nailed a 3 to conclude the comeback.
Harlem recovered moments later, outscoring the Bucs by 12-3 over the next four minutes to for a 42-29 lead that wasn’t seriously challenged the rest of the way.
Tyler Lass and Steger delivered three late baskets to account for the 44-36 final score.
In the ensuing battle for seventh place another .500 team, Beloit, Wis., Memorial edged ahead, 28-25, at halftime before pulling away for its 14-point victory.
Belvidere North finished the regular portion of league play with a 3-7 record. Monday night the Blue Thunder won their last game, defeating Winnebago’s No. 2 team for 15th place.
