It was an energetic battle for Bellevue on Wednesday afternoon at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The number four-seeded Bellevue West Thunderbirds took on the number five-seeded Bellevue East Chieftains.
The rivalry sparked a different type of energy, as it was a physical battle throughout the matchup. Bellevue West was the far more physical team out of the gate, which led to a 16-10 lead after the first quarter.
The Thunderbirds took advantage of second-chance points in the first half, allowing them to stretch their lead. Naomi White had an unofficial double-double in the first half with 10 points and 10 rebounds, as Bellevue West led 25-16 at the half.
The physicality continued in the second half as both teams traded baskets. Bellevue West did enough to keep their lead, leading 47-39 after the third quarter.
With their paint presence, Bellevue West took the game over in the fourth quarter. The Thunderbirds controlled the paint and ran away with the game, defeating the Chieftains 63-44.
Bellevue West was led in scoring by Junior Ahnica Russell-Brown with 18 points, followed by Naomi White with 15. Jayla Wilson led all scorers with 19 points for Bellevue East.
The Thunderbirds advance to 22-5 on the season and will take on the number one-seeded Millard South on Friday at 6:00 p.m. The Chieftains end their season at 21-5.
