Benton Academy’s sub-par shooting performance in last week’s State Tournament matchup with Lamar Christian couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time.
The Lady Raiders shot a dismal 9-of-46 from the field (6-for-27 from two-point range and 3-for-19 from the three-point arc) and 10-for-24 from the foul line in a 46-31 semifinal loss to Lamar Christian (the eventual Class 2A Div. I champion).
The loss ended the Lady Raiders season at 23-8.
Lamar opened the game with a 9-2 first quarter and, after an 11-4 second quarter, increased their lead to 20-6 at halftime.
Benton rallied back in the third quarter to outscore Lamar 14-13 and trailed 33-20 heading into the final frame.
Lamar Christian outscored Benton 13-11 down the stretch to seal the win.
Leading scorers for Benton were Brynn Blackstock with 15 points, Emma Middleton with six, Ava Grace Meeks with four, Leta Greco with three, Audrie Horne with two and Lucy McDaniel with one.
Blackstock also recorded a double-double with 18 rebounds.
