Lady Panthers aim to move deeper into playoffs
The biggest goal for the Benton Lady Panthers is to advance deeper in the state tournament. Head coach Jerry Chumley, who is in his 12th year with the program, said Benton has been “one and out too many times.” “That is due to a number of factors, including injuries, a bad draw or a poor matchup,” Chumley said. “I think with the seniors on this year’s team and the experience we have, we have a chance to finish better.” Chumley said this year’s squad is the oldest team he has ever had. “This group of seniors, from top to bottom, they can all play, and they will,” he said. “But overall, it is one of the smallest teams I have ever had.” The coach said senior Makenzy Davidson is the most experienced player coming back. She was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder a year ago. At, 5-3, senior Kati Marrow is the smallest player on the team and returns after being a full-time starter last year. “Makenzy can play anywhere, and she probably will play every position,” Chumley said. “She is our most versatile player. “We are going to move people around and create lineups to match up with people and create lineups to see which offenses work better.” Junior Rhema Riley is about 5-10 and will play post, and senior Caitlin Ginther started a few games last year as well. Chumley said senior guard Kennedy Stringfellow will play a ton this year if she doesn’t start. “Senior point guard Tenise Robinson joined our team at the second half of last year, and she could be a full-time starter this year,” Chumley said. The coach said the Lady Panthers will get some help from sophomore Hannah Brewer, once she gets out of volleyball. He said she is probably the team’s best athlete and will be a full-time starter, once she gets her basketball legs. “We are going to hang our hat on our defense,” Chumley said. “We’ve got some kids who can score and do more off the dribble. “I think we will score more this year, but definitely, the key is our defense. But our offense is coming on this year. I think we are going to be more potent and figure out some ways to score. We have gotten better on the offensive side of the ball.” Chumley said there are 32 teams in the 5A now, and Benton will play in the 5A South. “Lake Hamilton, for sure, will be the favorite in the league,” he said. “Sheridan has everyone back, and until somebody proves otherwise, they have been the best two teams the past year or two.” He said Hot Springs won the 5A state championship a year ago but lost three players to either graduation or transfer. “It is a pretty decent league,” Chumley said. “We are going to have to be ready every night.” The Lady Panthers will open the season with three straight road games, beginning with Beebe on Nov. 6. “We will find out how tough we are right off the bat,” Chumley said.