Basketball Recap: Emma Pierson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Belvidere over Guilford

Belvidere suffered their biggest loss since December 3, 2024 on Friday. They came up short against the Guilford Vikings, falling 69-45. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Vikings this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 66-48 back in January.

Belvidere lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Emma Pierson, who went 12-for-23 en route to 26 points. That was a full 57.8% of Belvidere's points, marking the sixth time in a row Pierson has posted more than a third of the team's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Arianna Labeau, who scored seven points in addition to 11 boards and seven assists.

Bucs

Previous 5 Games

02/14/25 vs Guilford	45-69
02/11/25 vs Rockford Auburn	48-67
02/08/25 @ Harlem	54-57
02/07/25 @ Hononegah	55-62
02/04/25 @ Belvidere North	54-57

Even though they lost, Belvidere smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in four consecutive games.

Guilford's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jaleese Williams, who went 8-for-17 on her way to 18 points along with eight assists and seven rebounds. That's the most assists Williams has posted since back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Baylee Sandine, who went 6-for-13 to rack up 18 points.

Belvidere has traveled a rocky road recently having lost eight of their last ten matches, which has put a noticeable dent in their 16-14 record this season. As for Guilford, they pushed their record up to 25-6 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road.

Belvidere didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 59-38 win against Belvidere North on the 15th. As for Guilford, they will take on McHenry at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Guilford is facing McHenry at the right time seeing as McHenry is stuck on an eight-game losing streak.