MCDONALD'S SWNEWS4U.COM GAME OF THE WEEK (Nov. 17–24)
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Benton 56, Juda 40

By Tom Gunnell, Tri-County Press/Republican Journal

BENTON — Junior guard Kailey Fawcett sank a pair of 3-pointers on her way to a career-high 19 points to lead the Benton Zephyrs over the visiting Juda Panthers, 56-40, in a non-conference girls’ basketball game at BHS on Thursday, Nov. 18.

“I was really proud of our effort level. I think our press made them uncomfortable, and kind of wore them down towards the end. In the second half, our passing was much improved and we were doing a good job finding the open person,” said Benton head coach Mitch Brant.

Fawcett poured in 14 of her points in the first half to lift the Zephyrs (1–1 overall) out to a 26–20 halftime lead. 

Brant’s squad continued to apply the pressure in the second half, and junior Zoe Stluka took over the scoring duties by netting 11 of her 13 points over the final 18 minutes to help the Zephyrs put away the Panthers (0–2) for a 16-point triumph.

“One of our biggest struggles is turning the ball over and I think we did a good job limiting our turnovers during the second half,” noted Brant. “I give credit to Juda. They kept making runs and kept the game close. We did a good job finding an answer and making a big play every time they made a run.”

Fawcett led the Zephyrs with six steals and a blocked shot, while Z. Stluka pulled down nine rebounds and tallied three assists and three steals in the win. 

Sophomore Genna Langkamp grabbed 10 rebounds, scored five points and dished out three assists for the Zephyrs. Sophomore Halle Stluka added seven points and seven rebounds, and junior Jocelyn Cummins chipped in with six points, five boards and three steals.

Anna Skoumal paced the Panthers with 12 points.