In a highly anticipated match on Friday night, Catholic Central delivered an impressive second-half surge to secure a decisive 61-39 victory over Bellaire at the 'House of Champions.' The Crusaders capitalized on their defensive adjustments and offensive momentum, turning a close first half into a dominant performance. Despite Bellaire's Senior Night celebrations, it was Catholic Central who emerged victorious, demonstrating their championship aspirations with this win.

Entering the game, both teams were aware of the physical nature that would define the contest. Initially, Catholic Central struggled with defensive discipline, but they quickly adapted. Head coach Don Ogden emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and making necessary adjustments. "Our players responded well to the challenge," Ogden noted. "We tightened up our defense and switched strategies in the second half, which proved effective."

The turning point came midway through the second quarter when Catholic Central broke a 23-all tie with a 10-5 run, taking a 33-28 lead into halftime. However, the real momentum shift occurred in the third quarter as the Crusaders unleashed a 10-0 run, extending their advantage to 48-35. Benji Rook, the standout performer, contributed significantly with 22 points, including a crucial 16-point effort in the second quarter. His six consecutive points after Bellaire tied the game at 23 marked the beginning of Catholic Central's dominance.

Bellaire faced several challenges throughout the game. Key player Raekwon Pettigrew was sidelined early in the second half due to foul trouble, leaving the team without one of its primary contributors. Maurice Webb, despite scoring seven points, led all players with 10 rebounds, showcasing his presence on the boards. Caleb Jewell was Bellaire's top scorer with 13 points, but turnovers plagued the Big Reds, especially in critical moments.

Bellaire head coach J.R. Battista acknowledged the difficulties his team faced. "Catholic Central played exceptionally well, capitalizing on our mistakes," he said. "They outrebounded us and limited our scoring opportunities. We had too many unforced errors in the first half, and we couldn't find our rhythm in the second half."

Catholic Central's disciplined play and strategic adjustments set the stage for their upcoming OVAC WVU Medicine Class 2A Boys Basketball Championships. With this win, they secured the top seed, a testament to their resilience and preparation. Coach Ogden expressed pride in his team's effort and is confident about their prospects moving forward. "The kids stayed focused and executed our game plan. It’s going to be an exciting ride from here."