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Against the undefeated Eagles last week, both Leland and Fairview held leads early in the game, but Bellaire had a suffocating defense in the second quarter of both games, leading it to the regional championship. Mike McClary had 20 points for Bellaire in the game Tuesday, March 13, and 22 Friday against Fairview; in the EaglesÕ victories, which improved their record to 240 this season.

The Comets looked to give the Eagles a challenge early at Traverse City Central, leading by five points in the first quarter and keeping the Bellaire offense on its heels. Leland held a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but thatÕs when Stan SextonÕs Bellaire team gained its composure and went on for a 67-47 win.

ÒOur team defense began to assert itself in the second quarter,Ó Sexton said. ÒAnd Cody Bock led the offensive charge in the second.Ó

Bock, who finished with a game-high 22 points in the game against Leland, led the Eagles to a 19-5 advantage in the second quarter and taking control of the game. Bock scored nine of his points in the second, leading Bellaire to a 12-point lead at halftime.

The dominating play continued in the second half, both the Bellaire defense and offense were controlling the gameÕs tempo. Brad Guy gave the Eagles an additional boost, coming off the bench to score 10 points. Eventually, Leland started accumulating personal fouls, to stop the clock and try to put a halt the Bellaire offense. The Eagles answered with free throw makes. They went 9-of-15 from the free throw line, while Leland struggled to get there, making just 2-of-4 attempts.

The Eagles also outrebounded the Comets 33-17 in the game, Jordan Gibson led the Comets with 14 points.

The victory boosted Bellaire to a Friday matchup with Fairview, for the regional title.

Again, Bellaire was involved in a tight first quarter, that was followed by a dominating second. Fairview opened a seven-point lead in the first quarter, which was answered by an inside-out scoring combination from Mike McClary and Anthony Garwood.

After taking a 3-point lead into the second quarter, Bellaire outscored Fairview 18-8 in the second quarter to take control of the game. McClary and Garwood led Bellaire to a 13-point lead at halftime, that only extended in the second half. McClary scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the first quarter, while Garwood scored 11 of his 18 in the first.

Fairview was unable to close the gap on Bellaire, during the third quarter and early in the fourth. When it turned to fouling to stop the clock, again Bellaire made its free throws. Bellaire was 27-of-41 from the free throw line in the game, led by Guy who sank all eight of his attempts.

Bellaire advanced to the quarterfinals against Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart Tuesday.