When Bridgeport lost to state-ranked and Class AAA Buckhannon-Upshur by a 59-52 score back on Jan. 28, Coach Dennis Hutson wasn’t thrilled with the loss. However the fact that his team has rallied to make that game respectable and had won two games in a row had the veteran coach thinking that good things were possible.

 

All the team, perhaps, was a signature win.

 

Last Saturday, the Indians got it. Going up against Class AA No. 5 Fairmont Senior, Bridgeport rallied late to upend the Polar Bears by a 53-51 score. The win set up a three-game winning streak that the Tribe will take into tomorrow’s 5:45 p.m. game at East Fairmont.

 

“Sometimes you have games that are a huge game changer and a momentum changer for the season. Hopefully, that’s the one that convinces these kid they can not only play with anyone, but they have the ability to beat anyone,” said Hutson.

 

Bridgeport followed that up with an 81-16 waxing of Liberty and a 64-50 victory over Elkins. The Indians have now won five of their last six games to move to 10-7 on the season.

 

“I think they’ve made a move in the right direction. I think it’s just by playing with more energy and effort every night that we’ve gotten better results,” said Hutson. “We’re not turning it over as much, which has been an issue at times, and we’re finally getting more inside play to help keep defensive honest on our outside game.”

 

Things got started Saturday when Bridgeport saw Hope Chalfant deliver in the biggest win of the year. Down 52-51 to the Polar Bears, Chalfant was fouled shooting a 3-point field goal and had a chance to tie and win the game – but had to go the foul line to do it.

 

With all the pressure on her shoulders, Chalfant delivered. She calmly sank all three for the two-point win.

 

“Certainly, those were huge,” said Hutson.

 

Bridgeport was in the game thanks to a huge outing by Gianina Renzelli. Renzelli finished with 23 points, while Quinn Stalnaker added eight.

 

BHS came up with the huge win Tuesday over Liberty. Five Bridgeport girls were in double figures with Chalfant leading the way with 17. Emily Riggs and Rory Marple both added 11, while Stalnaker and Renzelli both finished with 10 points.

 

In the win Wednesday at Elkins, it was Stalnaker that came up big time. She finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Renzelli also had a strong out with 20 points.

 

“We’ve been looking for that from Quinn for some time. She’s been battling shin splits and finally getting back into form,” said Hutson. “Hopefully, the problem will be going away.”

 

Hutson said the turnaround is the result of everyone pulling in the same direction. He said the team has settled predominantly into an eight-man rotation.

 

“Everyone has stepped it up. Along with those I’ve mentioned, Hope is having a great senior season, Gianina is starting to score and assert herself,” said Hutson. “Then you have Emily and Rory both playing solid as freshmen. I think they’ll both continue to get better.

 

“Kaitlin Smith and Stephanie Alvaro are also showing what we need from them when they’re getting minutes,” Hutson continued. “Everybody has had a hand in helping pull the wagon and accepting their roles.”

 

Bridgeport is back in action tomorrow at East Fairmont. The varsity game begins at 5:45 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.