Unbeaten and unfazed.

That pretty much characterizes the Bellaire basketball team that ended Leland's season Tuesday night with a 67-47 victory in the first game of a Class D Regional at Traverse City Central High School.

"Even when we got ahead early – like we did tonight and the other time we played them this year – they never seem to be worried," said Leland coach Jason Stowe, whose team finished 18-5. "That's the mark of a confident, veteran team."
The Eagles improved to 23-0 under longtime coach Stan Sexton, who gave Leland credit for putting pressure on his team, especially in the first quarter when the Comets raced out to an 11-9 lead. In fact, Leland outscored Bellaire in the first (11-9) and fourth (21-19) quarters, but the Eagles had a combined 39-15 edge in the middle quarters.

"Leland is a scrappy team, they made us work for our points," said Sexton. "Their defensive pressure forced us into more turnovers then we're used to. But the best thing about this team is that they never get flustered. We settled down and played under control after that."

The Comets held the lead until seven minutes remained in the second quarter. An offensive rebound and basket by Marcus Whittaker gave Leland its final lead, 13-12.

Then Bellaire sharpshooter Cody Bock took over. He triggered a 16-3 run to finish out the half by scoring six points – giving him 13 by intermission – as the Eagles grabbed a 28-16 lead.

"I really thought we could win this game," said Stowe. "But we committed too many turnovers, starting in the second quarter."

Leland finished with 20 turnovers, but its solid defense kept it in the game. At halftime, the Comets had held Bellaire's 6-foot-5 high-scoring center Michael McClary to just five points.

But that didn't last. McClary scored 15 in the second half and the Eagles stretched their lead to 22, 48-26, after three quarters.

"We gave it our best shot," said Stowe. "We started off with an up-tempo offense and pressed them on defense and that seemed to work. But we were a victim of our own turnovers and the fact Bellaire doesn't get worried when they fall behind."

A pair of juniors led Leland. Whittaker had 12 points – hitting 5-of-6 field goal attempts – and 10 rebounds to go along with four blocks, three assists and three steals. Jordan Gibson contributed 14 points. Bock had 22 and McClary 20 for Bellaire, which outrebounded Leland 26-19.

"We had a nice season," said Stowe. "We won the conference, we won a District and we have a lot of nice players coming back. It gives us something to build on."

Ten of the 15 Comets on the roster Tuesday night were underclassmen. Stowe also credited his five seniors who played their final game for Leland: Matt Lichty, Tyler Kenney, Michael Nachazel, Ryan Paulton and Wade Nedow.