Belleville Gets Revenge, Defeats Howell 58–44 in Regional Semifinal

NORTHVILLE, MI — March 9, 2026

By Donovan Fann | Detroit Varsity Sports

The rematch everyone was waiting for finally arrived.

Just two weeks after Howell defeated Belleville 59–51 to win the KLAA Championship, the two teams met again, this time with much higher stakes. The Regional Semifinal matchup at Northville High School carried a trip to the Regional Final on the line.

Belleville came into the game with something to prove. Howell was the only team to defeat the Tigers all season, and losing twice to the same team was not something Belleville planned on allowing.

With both student sections bringing playoff energy, the atmosphere inside Northville High School felt like a championship game.

First Quarter

Howell opened with the first possession, but Belleville’s defense immediately set the tone. Both teams battled in what quickly became a defensive showdown.

Howell’s #21 Lilly Williams made her presence known early, recording three big blocks in the opening quarter. Her size and defensive ability were clearly going to be a factor throughout the game.

Belleville controlled the glass and maintained defensive pressure, allowing them to close the quarter with a three-point lead as the packed crowd began to settle into the game.

Belleville 11, Howell 8

Second Quarter

Belleville’s #1 Layla Stewart opened the second quarter with a deep three-pointer to ignite the offense.

Back-to-back layups helped the Tigers extend the lead to 18–12, but Howell refused to let the game slip away. Lilly Williams continued her defensive dominance, adding another block to what was becoming a highlight reel night.

Belleville called a timeout to regroup after a few mistakes allowed Howell to creep back into the game.

Foul trouble for Belleville gave Howell opportunities at the free-throw line, helping the Highlanders close the gap to just two points heading into halftime.

At this point, it was clear the two teams were evenly matched, exactly what you would expect from programs with identical records.

Halftime: Belleville 20, Howell 18

Third Quarter

The Tigers exploded after halftime.

Belleville slowed the tempo with crisp ball movement while continuing to pressure Howell defensively. Howell called an early timeout as the Tigers began to build momentum.

Belleville’s #3 Se’crette Carter ignited the crowd with a long three-pointer, pushing the lead to 27–18.

Moments later, Belleville’s #4 Paisley Stephens went down following a hard defensive play, leading to an official’s timeout. When play resumed, Belleville took control of the game.

The Tigers caught fire from beyond the arc.

Three after three began to fall, with #31 Sydney Savoury and #3 Se’crette Carter leading the shooting barrage. Belleville stretched the lead to 40–26, and Savoury capped the quarter with another deep three to send the Tigers into the fourth quarter with a commanding 43–27 advantage.

Belleville 43, Howell 27

Fourth Quarter

Howell refused to go quietly.

The Highlanders attacked the paint and earned trips to the free-throw line, slowly cutting into the deficit. Howell’s defense forced several turnovers, trimming the lead to 52–41 with just over a minute remaining.

However, Belleville remained composed and controlled the final moments.

With Howell’s defensive anchor Lilly Williams fouling out late, the Tigers were able to close out the game and secure the 58–44 victory.

Final: Belleville 58, Howell 44

Final Takeaway

Belleville’s third-quarter explosion proved to be the difference. After a tight first half, the Tigers caught fire from three-point range and used strong defense to maintain control the rest of the way.

With the win, Belleville (24–1) advances to the Regional Final, where they will face South Lyon East (24–1).

Howell’s impressive season comes to an end at 23–2.

Detroit Varsity Sports spoke with Belleville junior Sydney Savoury after the game. Watch her postgame interview below.