Clapper Ignites Blue Devils’ Victory: A Game-Changing Performance!

01/20/25 Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski /
Bellwood-Antis’ Leigha Clapper drives by Central’s Adyson Poet.

By Michael Boytim

Email: mboytim@altoonamirror.com

BELLWOOD — Leigha Clapper, a senior at Bellwood-Antis, knows how to handle pressure. She has been in pivotal moments before, including the team’s run to the PIAA semifinals during her freshman year. Last Monday, she played a key role in ending her team’s three-game losing streak against Central, leading them to a tight 40-39 victory.

“We needed someone to step up,” Clapper said. “I wanted to be that leader and help my team.” Before the game, she encouraged her teammates to give their best effort.

Midway through the first half, when they were down 14-9 and Lilly Gerwert was sidelined with foul troubles, Clapper helped shift the momentum. She scored seven points during an intense run, putting Bellwood-Antis in the lead.

“Leigha’s experience was crucial,” Coach Kyley Longo noted. “She took control and her shots found the mark, which changed the game’s flow.” Clapper’s impact was clear as she delivered six points from long range in the final quarter.

Despite Central’s efforts to tie the game before halftime with strong plays from Addi Long and Addie Imes, Bellwood-Antis maintained composure. Clapper’s scoring streak in the fourth quarter was decisive.

Longo emphasized teamwork and effort: “If we play together, good things will happen. We take it one game at a time.” Upcoming battles against BG and Hollidaysburg lie ahead, but the focus remains on steadily improving with each match.

Gerwert recorded 11 points and 11 rebounds despite her limited playing time. Clapper recognized the team effort during Gerwert’s absence: “It’s tough without her, but others like Addy Turek and Hannah Waite stepped up significantly.”

Longo commended her bench as ready to step in: “It’s next man up. Our players are prepared for any situation. They handled pressure well, which is a valuable experience for our young team.”

For Central, it was another disappointing result. Coach Blake Over remarked, “It’s been a tough season. The girls give their all, but we keep finding ways to lose. We need to improve on the little things.” With a current record of 2-11, Over believes in his team’s potential.

Central’s leading scorers, Long and Marah Dickson, each tallied nine points. In a close finish, Central had a chance to tie at the end. They executed a layup late but missed a critical opportunity for a three-pointer that could have changed the outcome.

Bellwood-Antis secured their spot with the final seconds ticking away without needing to inbound the ball again. “It’s all part of the learning process,” Over concluded.

CENTRAL 39: Boyles 5, Dickson 9, Benton 4, Poet 5, Imes 4, Long 9. Totals: 12 made shots; 9 free throws.

BELLWOOD-ANTIS 40: Clapper 13, Gerwert 11, Norton 5, Cacciotti 4, Sweigert 3. Totals: 12 made shots; 11 free throws.

Score by quarters: Central – 14, 8, 11, 6; Bellwood-Antis – 8, 14, 10, 8.

3-point goals: Central 5 (Long 2, Dickson, Benton, James); Bellwood-Antis 5 (Clapper 3, Norton, Sweigert).

Records: Central (2-11); Bellwood-Antis (8-7).