Miller’s 22 points lead Central Lake past Bellaire in Ski-Valley showdown

BELLAIRE — Central Lake used a dominant defensive stretch after the first quarter and a balanced scoring effort to end Bellaire’s recent run in the Ski-Valley Conference rivalry, earning a 50-31 road victory on Friday night.

Tied 11-11 after the first quarter, the Trojans seized control by switching to a tight matchup zone that disrupted Bellaire’s trademark interior attack. The adjustment immediately paid off as Central Lake limited driving lanes, contested post touches, and held the Eagles to just five points in the second quarter to take a 22-16 lead into halftime.

The Trojans carried that defensive intensity into the third quarter, outscoring Bellaire 15-9 to create a double-digit cushion that the Eagles never seriously threatened. Central Lake continued to close out on shooters and force tough looks in the lane, then converted stops into transition opportunities. A 13-6 advantage in the fourth quarter punctuated the effort and turned the conference showdown into a statement road win.

Sophomore Abby Miller powered Central Lake’s offense with a game-high 22 points, adding eight rebounds, three steals, and five blocks as she impacted the game at both ends of the floor. Miller’s rim protection anchored the matchup zone, while her work on the glass helped limit Bellaire to one shot per possession for long stretches.

Central Lake also received key contributions throughout the lineup. Myla Hibbard finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two steals, and three assists, providing a steady presence on the perimeter. Joelyssa Hayden directed the offense effectively, totaling nine points, two rebounds, two steals, and a team-high six assists as she consistently found open teammates out of half-court sets and in transition.

Defensively, the Trojans’ pressure extended beyond the primary scorers. Maleeya Hibbard chipped in five points along with four steals and two assists, helping to disrupt Bellaire’s ballhandlers and generate turnovers. Charlie Goltz added two points and a rebound, while Claire Shooks and Aspen Evans each contributed four rebounds, with Evans also recording two steals to reinforce Central Lake’s control of the boards and passing lanes.

At the free-throw line, Central Lake created further separation by converting 11 of 19 attempts, while Bellaire finished 8 of 17 and went just 5 of 11 over the final three quarters. Combined with the Trojans’ 28-15 scoring edge in the second half, the free-throw disparity and sustained defensive pressure ensured that Bellaire’s four-year run in the matchup came to an end as Central Lake closed out the 50-31 victory.

Central Lake (10-5, 7-5 SV) will travel to Muskegon Heights on Wednesday night before returning home to take on conference foe Jo'Burg on Friday.

Bellaire falls to 9-6 and 5-6 in the Ski-Valley.