Benton Academy’s high school basketball teams had opposite results in their respective returns to the court from the Thanksgiving Holidays.
The Lady Raiders struggled on Monday night in a tough 33-30 loss to Humphreys Academy.
Ana Posey Jones led the Lady Raiders in scoring with 15 points in the loss.
Madilyn Manor, who returned from an injury on Monday, had nine points in her season-debut.
According to Benton Academy girls head coach Hall Redfearn, Manor is slowly working herself into playing shape.
“She gives us ball-handling and scoring,” Redfearn said. “She’s progressing well. She’s slowly getting into shape. She hasn’t been able to do a lot of conditioning, so she’s coming along. She’s played less than her normal workload.”
On Tuesday night, the Lady Raiders came across a difficult Carroll Academy team, and the result showed that.
The Lady Rebels took the contest 55-26.
Manor led the team with seven points in the loss to Carroll.
Jaeleigh Ann Girard also chipped in five points in the losing effort.
Despite the string of losses, Redfearn sees things getting better.
“We’re getting better,” Redfearn said. “We got Madilyn back, so we’re finally back at full strength. That makes us a lot better.”
On the boys’ side, Jimmy McGregor has the Raiders playing at a high level.
Benton came out and dominated Humphreys Academy 49-19.
Although they won easily, McGregor believed his team was a bit sloppy in their return to the court.
“As far as having a break goes, you guys get a little rest, but you’re always a little sluggish in the first game back,” McGregor said. “We looked a little better on Tuesday night against Carroll. We’re getting our legs back under us.”
On Tuesday night, Benton had a tougher test in Carroll, but they passed with flying colors, winning the game 55-44.
Gage Pierce led the Raiders in scoring with 24 points.
Roger Hancock was right behind Pierce with 20 points.
While his team seems to be clicking, McGregor is adamant about the fact that they’re still trying to figure everything out.
“We’re still learning each other right now,” McGregor said. “I’m still new coaching them, and we have three new starters. Rogie and Gage know each other and how to play with each other, but we have to get everybody on the same page. We’re trying to keep our guards involved. It’s all coming along.”
Next up for Benton is a conference road contest against Canton Academy on Monday night.
Tip-off for the first game is set for 4 p.m.
