The Greenville Jackets triumphed over the Belding Black Knights with a decisive score of 71-39 in a highly anticipated rivalry game on October 27, 2023. This nonconference matchup marked the start of the basketball season, showcasing both teams’ drive as they entered the game with perfect records. Greenville’s strong performance early on set the tone for the night, as they took control from the opening tipoff.
The Jackets surged ahead with an impressive 25-point first quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and demonstrating a well-executed defensive strategy. Coach Shay Barber emphasized the importance of communication and discipline throughout the game. “We knew that they had three really good shooters on the team, so we really wanted to defend that really well,” Barber stated. “They executed the game plan well, and it was just fun to be a part of it tonight.”
Belding’s coach, Shad Breimayer, acknowledged his team’s struggles against Greenville’s aggressive press. “We turned the ball over too much against the press to start, and they shot the lights out,” he reflected. Despite the loss, Breimayer sees value in facing tough opponents. “These are great games to play against. It teaches you to play under that pressure,” he added.
Greenville maintained momentum throughout the game, extending their lead to 41-15 by halftime. The Jackets’ offensive performance was highlighted by junior Olivia Fancett, who led the team with 16 points. Notably, seniors Alix Court and Lauren Russell each contributed 10 points to the victory, showcasing the depth of the team as 10 out of 12 players scored.
Barber noted the importance of establishing a new identity for the Greenville basketball program. “When we got to summer basketball, we wanted to have a new brand of Greenville basketball, which is high energy, great communication, and play as one,” he explained. His team’s success so far reflects their commitment to this philosophy.
Despite the overwhelming score, Belding found some rhythm in the second half, outscoring Greenville in the fourth quarter. However, the comeback efforts were too late to affect the overall outcome. Breimayer pointed out that the anxiety of the game affected his players. “I felt like we settled down in the second half, but I think the anxiety level was so high,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Black Knights will face Godwin Heights in their upcoming road trip, aiming to apply lessons learned from this rivalry encounter. Breimayer anticipates a challenging matchup, noting similarities to the Jackets’ style of play.
Meanwhile, the Jackets will return to the court on Tuesday for their first home game of the season against Mona Shores. Barber is focused on maintaining the team’s momentum and expects a competitive match. “We know that they’re really good,” he said, reflecting on the upcoming challenge.
This thrilling opening game of the season not only highlighted the intense rivalry between the Greenville Jackets and the Belding Black Knights but also set a promising stage for the rest of the basketball season. As teams adjust and grow, both coaches are optimistic about their respective journeys ahead.
