DeWitt girls basketball made a decisive impact by defeating defending champion Belleville 48-41 in the Division 1 quarterfinals, advancing to the state semifinals for the first time since 2015. Despite graduating two key 1,000-point scorers, the Panthers demonstrated resilience, overcoming an 11-point deficit in the second half. Key performances included Jaynie English, who scored nine points in the final quarter, and Carly Dennis, contributing six of her 12 points during crunch time. The Panthers now aim to continue their run against Detroit Renaissance in the semifinals.

By the Numbers
  • DeWitt is 22-4 after this victory, while Belleville drops to 25-2.
  • DeWitt trailed 35-28 at the end of the third quarter before outscoring Belleville in the final period.
State of Play
  • DeWitt's victory avenges their previous year鈥檚 quarterfinal loss to Belleville.
  • The team will face Detroit Renaissance in the state semifinal on March 20.
What's Next

The Panthers are set to advance to the state semifinal, with confidence stemming from their recent upset and strong team performance. Their journey will continue as they aim for a championship title.

Bottom Line

DeWitt's success against Belleville illustrates their potential and determination, while the team's upcoming semifinal match serves as a pivotal opportunity to build on this newfound confidence and aim for historical success.