By Tim Huether The Bennett County Lady Warriors four game winning streak came to an end last week against Todd County as their fourth quarter rally fell short in a 64-53 loss in high school basketball.
The host Lady Warriors trailed by 27 points near the end of the third quarter, but the girls fought back with a furious fourth quarter where they out-scored Todd County 23-8, but they were in too deep of a hole to pull out the win.
Bennett County tied the game early at 6 on a three pointer by Amia Cottier and a free throw by Jadyn Standing Soldier. Todd County ended the first quarter by scoring the final five points to lead 11-6.
Todd County’s Payton Leroy was on fire, making five three point baskets in the first half and nine in the game, sparking the Lady Falcon offense. Leroy would lead all scorers in the game with 34 points.
The Falcons jumped to a 30-16 lead late in the first half but Bennett County cut the lead to 10 at the break on a three pointer by Raven Heathershaw and a pair of free throws by Amia Cottier for a 31-21 score.
The third quarter was a struggle for Bennett County as they could not hit their shots and turned the ball over too many times resulting in a 56-30 score heading to the final quarter.
The Warriors stepped up their game on offense and defense and went on a 12-1 run, cutting the lead to 15 points in a hurry.
A pair of free throws by Madi Waln made it 61-50, but the Lady Falcons Leroy buried her ninth three pointer, slamming the door on the comeback and Todd County held on for the 64-53 win.
The Lady Warriors had three players in double figures with Amia Cottier at 14 points and Madi Waln and Jadyn Standing Soldier at 13. Kaylee Byrne added 5, Raven Heathershaw 3, Taytlin Dillon 3 and Ally Salomon 2.
Bennett County won the JV contest, 37-19, led by Madi Waln’s 10 points. Harley Harris, Reagan O’Neill and Peyson O’Neill added 6 each, Jersey Frederick 4, Kaylee Byrne 2, Jayden Standing Soldier 2 and Rylee Hicks 1.