Belleville West Falls 75-60 to Vianney in Semifinal

Belleville West lost 75-60 to Hazelwood Central in the boys basketball semifinal at the 49th Vianney Invitational after matching the opponent through the first two quarters.

The outcome arrives as area teams prepare for the next stretch of the schedule, giving residents in Belleville a timely reason to consider joining a team or clinic rather than watching from the stands.

Belleville East recorded a 73-62 win over O’Fallon in girls basketball on the same day, showing consistent scoring across quarters that kept the game in reach until the final period.

Numbers that shaped the weekend games

Hazelwood Central finished with 23 field goals including five from beyond the arc and converted 24 of 30 free throws, while Belleville West recorded 25 field goals but managed only seven of 15 from the line. Tyler Dancy led Belleville West with 13 points, followed by Elijah Powell with 12 and EJ Liddell with 11. In the girls contest Belleville East held a 21-4 advantage after the opening quarter before O’Fallon closed the gap with 26 points in the fourth.

These concrete results illustrate the importance of free-throw accuracy and sustained scoring in each period, details that anyone new to the sport can study before stepping onto a court.

Practical steps to begin playing in Belleville

Start by locating a public gym or school facility that hosts open sessions and confirm the schedule through local listings. Bring basic athletic shoes, comfortable shorts and a shirt, then arrive early to watch a few possessions and ask about beginner groups. Focus first on simple ball-handling drills and layup lines before moving to team scrimmages. Many programs welcome newcomers at any age and adjust intensity for those learning the rules. Check the next available session times posted at community centers and arrive ready to introduce yourself to the coach on duty. Following one or two visits, participants can decide whether to join a regular league or continue with casual play.