The Bellingham Blackhawks carried strong form into the Blackhawk Girls Basketball Tournament, cruising to a 52-32 win over the Sandwich Blue Knights in Monday night’s semifinal. Bellingham opened aggressively on both ends and held firm defensively throughout the contest, limiting Sandwich’s opportunities while getting production from multiple scorers.
The Hayes sisters paced the Blackhawks, Nicolette poured in 18 points, and Caleigh added 13 for a 31-point combined output that proved decisive. Kaleigh Simpson provided a reliable secondary scoring option with nine points, while Liz Glynn and Maggie Kane added six and five points, respectively, to round out a balanced attack. Bellingham’s ball movement and ability to find the Hayes sisters in scoring position made guarding the Blackhawks difficult for Sandwich.
Bellingham will now meet Marshfield tonight in the tournament final. Marshfield enters with a 5-14 record this season, but finals are about matchups and execution, and Bellingham will need another big night from Nicolette and Caleigh Hayes to secure the title. The Blackhawks currently hold the No. 21 seed in D3 girls basketball, and a tournament championship could give them a boost of confidence heading into postseason play.
