The Bennett County High School boys basketball team picked up back to back road wins last week, upending Lyman Friday and holding off Colome on Saturday, both road wins.
The boys played one of their best games of the year at Lyman, hanging on for a hard fought 59-53 win of the Raiders.
The Warriors lost to Lyman just a week earlier at the Jones County Tournament, falling 58-41, but Bennett County took it to the Raiders early connecting on seven first half three pointers and never trailed on their way to the win in a makeup game.
Shooter Frederick and Christin Poor Bear buried a pair of three pointers each in the first quarter, leading the Warriors to a 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Lyman made a three of their own to start the second quarter. Bennett County led 22-20 then finished the half strong with three pointers by bench players Billy Waln and Blair Louden to take a 31-23 lead at the half.
Poor Bear canned the final three pointer of the game for the Warriors to start the third quarter.
Six straight points from freshman Caysen Soderlin sparked the Warriors to their largest lead at 44-27 with 1:56 to go in the third quarter. The quarter would end with a 44-30 score.
It looked like the Warriors were on their way to a solid win but Lyman turned up their defense and the Warriors struggled to handle it, giving up several easy scores and Lyman trailed by just five points with 41 seconds to go in the game at 54-49.
Bennett County finished strong from that point and made five of their six free throws to put the game away at 59-53.
Caysen Soderlin dominated for the Warriors with 16 points and many rebounds, playing the entire game. Shooter Frederick had a solid game with 15 points including scoring seven of the final eight Warrior points and five of six from the free throw line at the end.
Christin Poor Bear had likely his best game of the year with 12 points and several key rebounds for the Warriors. Blair Louden added six points on a pair of three pointers, Rush O’Neill 5, Billy Waln 3 and Wyatt Huber 2 points.
“I was very pleased by my team’s efforts in this game,” said head coach Anthony Muilenburg. “They showed great intensity, hustle, and effort throughout the game. I thought defensively they played extremely hard and were able to force turnovers and made it difficult for Lyman to get into a rhythm offensively.”
“On the offensive end they executed and were able to get open looks and didn’t force too many shots,” said Muilenburg. “It was closer than I would have liked in the fourth quarter but I have to give credit to Lyman for continuing to compete hard until the end of the game. For a young team like us, I am very happy for how they were able to find a way to win when the momentum switched to Lyman towards the end of the fourth quarter. I can confidently say that this was their best game collectively as a team so far this season.”
Players of the game were Christin Poor Bear, Caysen Soderlin and Shooter Frederick.
There was no JV game as that was played earlier in the season.
At Colome, it was a tight battled from beginning to end with the Warriors digging down to hold of a charged at the end from the Cowboys for a 67-63 win.
Freshman Rush O’Neill had a great game with 24 points to lead all scorers. O’Neill had 13 first quarter points to jump start Warrior offense, including hitting his first three shots from three point range.
Freshman Caysen Soderlin also knocked down a three pointer in the first quarter as Bennett County led 24-17 heading to the second quarter.
A basket by Blair Louden put the Warriors up by nine at 26-17, but Colome went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to one. Colome would eventually take their first lead with a minute to play in the half but a three point play by Shooter Frederick put the Warriors back on top. The half ended in a 36 tie.
With the score tied at 42 in the third, Colome jumped on top 48-42, but the Warriors responded with a three pointer by Hayden Risse and back to back baskets by Frederick to put Bennett County up 49-48.
Colome scored a late basket and led 50-49 heading to the final frame.
With the Warriors leading 56-54, O’Neill scored five quick Warrior points for a 63-57 score with just under two minutes to play.
Colome did not go away, nailing a three pointer with 27 seconds to play for a three point game, then they stole the ball and went to the free throw line, but missed both shots.
Frederick finished off the scoring making one of two free throws at the end resulting in a 67-63 score.
Following O’Neill with his 24 points was Shooter Frederick with 16, Caysen Soderlin 7, Christin Poor Bear 7, Blair Louden 6, Wyatt Huber 4 and Hayden Risse 3.
The future looks good as 50 of the 67 points scored by Bennett County were by Freshmen players.
“This was another competitive game that came down to the wire,” remarked Muilenburg. “It was a back and forth game for most part but once again we found a way to pull it off! Colome challenged us and made us work for this one so I have to give Colome credit for their efforts and competitiveness.
“I love this team and I am extremely proud of them,” exclaimed Muilenburg! “They are a fun group to coach and it just shows the character and resilience we have in that locker room. They are really growing and learning how to play as a team and it’s fun to witness it. After the game, I mentioned to the team to enjoy these victories but not to be satisfied, there is more work that needs to be done.”
“I get the privilege on a weekly basis to see the hard work these young men put in at practice,” continued Muilenburg. “I know what they are capable of achieving, so I’m not really surprised by the results and the growth. I’m just proud of them for continuing to trust the process!”
Rush O’Neill is the player of the game. Bennett County won the JV game 40-28. Bennett County’s next game is Jan. 30 at Kadoka with their next home game Feb. 3 against Hay Springs in a girls and boys doubleheader.