Howell Captures KLAA Championship, Holds Off Belleville 59-51

NORTHVILLE, MI — February 26, 2026

By Caleb Bushell | DVS Reporter

Championship atmosphere. Championship effort. Championship basketball.

In front of a packed gym at Northville High School, highlighted by a loud and relentless Howell student section — the Highlanders defeated Belleville 59–51 to capture the KLAA Championship in a battle that felt like postseason basketball from start to finish.

First Quarter - Howell Sets the Tone Early

Howell established control from the opening tip by attacking the paint and drawing contact. Their physical approach put Belleville on its heels early, forcing turnovers and limiting clean offensive possessions.

Lilly Williams (#21) delivered a dominant opening quarter, scoring inside, getting to the free-throw line, knocking down a three, and controlling the glass. Howell’s energy amplified by its student section, helped build early momentum.

Score: Howell 21, Belleville 12

Second Quarter - Balanced Attack Extends the Lead

Rather than relying solely on Williams, Howell displayed strong ball movement, using screens and backdoor cuts to generate quality looks.

Belleville created opportunities but struggled to convert. Meanwhile, Williams continued to dominate the boards, turning rebounds into second-chance points and transition opportunities. Howell entered halftime with a 10-point advantage and control of tempo.

Halftime: Howell 32, Belleville 22

Third Quarter - Belleville Fights Back

Belleville came out of the locker room with urgency.

The Tigers made the extra pass, swung the ball confidently, and found rhythm from beyond the arc. Their defensive adjustments made it tougher for Howell to score in the half court, and momentum began to shift.

By the end of the quarter, what once looked like a comfortable lead had turned into a five-point game.

Score: Howell 42, Belleville 37

Fourth Quarter - Championship Execution

The final frame was everything you expect from a conference championship.

Howell attacked the rim and returned to the free-throw line, while Belleville continued to share the ball and commit extra defenders to limit Williams.

With 4:21 remaining, a timeout paused play with Howell clinging to a 46–43 lead after Belleville knocked down a big three. The tension was palpable.

With two minutes left, Howell led just 52–50 as both teams executed at a high level.

In the closing moments, Howell showed championship composure knocking down free throws and securing critical defensive stops to seal the 59–51 victory and claim the KLAA title.

Final: Howell 59, Belleville 51

Final Takeaway

Howell’s early dominance in the paint and control of the glass proved decisive. Belleville’s second-half adjustments and perimeter shooting nearly flipped the script, but Howell’s composure — and clutch execution late — secured the championship.

Both teams displayed postseason-level intensity, and if this matchup is a preview of playoff basketball, fans are in for something special.