Jeremiah Hersrud made both ends at the free throw line with 14 seconds remaining to put Bellevue up for good in a come-from-behind 71-68 win at Shoreline. After Shoreline’s Jamikal Davis sank two free throws to put Shoreline up 68-67, Davis promptly fouled Hersrud sending the third-year soph to the line where he clutched up when it mattered the most. Shoreline had one last possession with nine seconds remaining but could not find the net as BC’s Logan Stempniak was fouled on the rebound and made two more insurance free throws.
The game, a must-win for Bellevue to keep playoff hopes alive, was a close battle from the early minutes on as Shoreline led by just two at 35-33 after the break. Although the ‘dogs were colder from the field in the second half, shooting 41%, the threesome of Jamison Carlisle, Josiah Johnson, and Stempniak controlled the boards as Bellevue outrebounded Shoreline 20-12. Carlisle had six while Johnson and Stempniak each had five. Bellevue also cashed in at the line sinking 12-of-16 for 75%.
Bellevue fell down by as much as eight in the second half at 55-47 with 7:56 remaining, but got hot in the final five minutes of play as they went from being down 58-55 to taking the lead 65-64 with 1:39 to play, setting up the free throw display by the Bulldogs in the closing seconds.
Johnson had 20 points and nine rebounds while Stempniak had 19 points and 10 rebounds. Bellevue stays alive in the North Region playoff race, down one game for the final playoff berth with two games to play. Bellevue (5-7 / 16-11) hosts Edmonds this Sun. Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Third-year sophomores Jeremiah Hersrud and Marcus Cole will be honored for sophomore day before the game.
Last Updated February 21, 2024
