Panthers lay it on Leopards to close Classic
HOT SPRINGS – The Benton Panthers were beaten badly this past Wednesday in the first game of the Lakeside Classic in Hot Springs. The Arkadelphia Badgers shot lights-out in taking a 74-51 decision over the Panthers. But, Benton took out its aggression the next day, with the Panthers punishing the Malvern Leopards 78-41 Thursday at Lakeside.
Benton Coach Dexter Hendrix said there was a difference in defensive mentality between the two games, despite the Badgers hot shooting.
“Going back to Wednesday night, you have to give Arkadelphia credit,” Hendrix said. “We didn’t play with the intensity and energy we needed to, but at the same time Arkadelphia went 9 for 11 from the 3-point line in the first half. I think they hit their first six threes they took.”
The Badgers outscored the Panthers 44-26 in the first half Wednesday, but Benton took it out on the Leopards the next day, with senior Andrew Williamson hitting two threes and scoring 10 points in the first quarter the Panthers led 23-10 on Thursday. Junior Jonathan Bell added eight in that first quarter, with seven different Panthers scoring the second quarter, led by senior Carter Harrison’s seven, to take a 48-17 advantage at the half.
“The difference was (Thursday) at halftime, Malvern was 2 for 11 from the 3-point line,” Hendrix said. “I think we were more active with our defense, did a lot better with our closeouts, our hands were a lot more active. I thought we tried to adjust, do some things to cause more havoc on the offense. I was proud of our defensive effort, especially in the first half.”
The Leopards made a push in the third quarter, outscoring Benton 20-16, but the Panthers still led 64-37 after three. Benton capped the rout outscoring Malvern 14-4 in the fourth. Eleven different Panthers scored in the game.
“After you get beat like that early in the season, we switched it up,” Hendrix explained the process after the Arkadelphia loss. “Normally on game day you walk through the game plan and go through some things. (Thursday), we really got after it at practice. It was really intense, very competitive, just trying to figure out who we really wanted on the floor. We started a different lineup. I thought everybody contributed and played well, and that’s only going to help our team.”
The Panthers started Williamson, Bell and the senior Chris Tropp, with juniors Kyle Payne and Jaden Thornton getting the starting nod, too.
“We did shoot the ball better,” Hendrix said. “We shot the ball well, even in our loss Wednesday. We’ve shot the ball better this year and we know that’s going to be a big piece of us being successful. In our league, it’s such a highpaced scoring league. You have to score the ball well.”
Harrison hit three 3-pointers to lead the Panthers with 17 points, with Williamson scoring 14, all in the first half, including 4 of 4 from the freethrow line.
“Give credit to Carter Harrison,” Hendrix said. “Andrew Williamson has really come along. He’s had a really good week. He’s scored the ball well.”
Williamson, more known for his defense, has come alive offensively for the Panthers. Before his 14-point performance, he scored a career-high 19 in Wednesday’s loss. Whether offensively or defensively, he brings energy, which Hendrix concurs is contagious.
“The guys know how hard he’s going to play and how much he puts on the floor,” the Coach said. “Another big step to his game is his scoring, getting confidence to shoot the three. In the past he’s been more of a defensive guy, getting some steals in transition, offensive rebounds, but he can knock down the three now, get to the rim, mid-range.”
Bell’s 13 points put three Panthers in double figures, with senior post player
Ajaden Gray adding six, Payne, Tropp and sophomore Brayden Stamper scored five points apiece, with senior
Jack Ginther, Thornton and sophomore Carter Hedden with four each. Sophomore Connor Weston hit 1 of 2 free throws for one point to cap Benton’s scorers.
Benton gets some time off as the Panthers play next after Thanksgiving on Tuesday, Nov. 30, hosting Lakeside before traveling to El Dorado the Friday after.
“Lakeside is 2-0 right now and they beat Arkadelphia this week in a really good game,” Hendrix said. “Really good team coming to our home next Tuesday night. We just hope to continue to
get better before conference.”