Rangers lose at home to Massac County

January 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
STAFF REPORT
In essence saying “do the math,” Benton Ranger coach Ron Winemiller pointed out something following Benton’s 66-46 loss at home to Massac County Friday night.
Winemiller said, “We played three good quarters of basketball. But as we all know, the game is four quarters long.”
What the Ranger head coach was referring to was a huge first quarter deficit that his club could not make up. After one quarter, Massac County did what every visiting team sets as a goal: survive and thrive the opening of the game in front of their opponent’s home crowd. At the end of the first quarter, the Patriots led 28-6.
For the next three periods, the Rangers played almost even basketball with Massac, even outscoring them in the second frame, 12-11. However, giving up 39 first-half points proved to be too much to overcome. Winemiller pointed to a problem for his club being confidence. “We needed to see the ball go into the hole more often.”
The Rangers, pressured by the Joe Hosmon-coached  signature defensive intensity, felt pressure from the opening tip. Another signature Patriot calling card is their ability to shoot behind the arc. Massac hit six 3-pointers while Benton could only manage three ( Higgins 2 and Head 1).
Massac was led in scoring by emerging star Daz Nickerson with 13 points. The Patriot offense featured balanced scoring with four players in double figures.
Game high-scoring honors went to Nathaniel Higginson with 17 points. Other Ranger output included: Sheeks 9, Forby 8, Head 3, Ward 3, and Hughes 2.
The Rangers fell to 5-9 for the season and to .500 in the conference splitting four league games.
Up next for Benton is undefeated Harrisburg at 15-0 for the season. The Bulldogs are looking for a sweep of Franklin County as they knocked off West Frankfort Friday night.
Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , ,

Holiday tourneys continue on last day of 2012

December 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

As the third front bringing snow into the area this holiday week moves in, holiday basketball tournament action – most delayed by the blizzard on Christmas night – resumes for the most part after a Sunday break.

Here’s an updated look on how local teams are faring:

BENTON RANGERS (Boys)

The Rangers finished 11th in a 12-team field at the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic in Pinckneyville. The Jerseyville Panthers took the tourney’s title.

CHRISTOPHER BEARCATS (Boys)

Christopher advanced to the Semi-Finals in the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament with wins over Vienna and Waltonville. The Bearcats dropped their semi-final game Saturday to Goreville.


SESSER-VALIER RED DEVILS (Boys)

Sesser-Valier dropped the first game of their hosted tournament to New Athens and entered the consolation bracket. Now, after wins over Elverado and Cobden, the Red Devils face Zeigler-Royalton for the consolation bracket title at 9 a.m. on Monday.

WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS (Boys)

At the Eldorado Holiday Tournament, the Redbirds beat the Fairfield Mules on Friday and then were beaten Saturday by the top-seeded Harrisburg Bulldogs. West Frankfort plays Union County, Kentucky, in the consolation bracket of the tourney at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

ZEIGLER-ROYALTON TORNADOES (Boys)

Zeigler-Royalton lost to Waltonville in the first round of the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament. After consolation-bracket wins over Vienna and Century, the Tornadoes face tournament host Sesser-Valier Monday morning at 9 a.m. for the consolation bracket title.

BENTON RANGERETTES (Girls)

The Rangerettes won four of their five match-ups in the Benton Rangerettes Classic, dropping their last game to Goreville, who went unbeaten in the six-team round robin. Rangerettes Cali Carney, Makala Carney and Morgan Corn were named to the all-tournament team.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Christopher High School Sports, Featured, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Holiday hoops action kicks off this morning as region digs out from Christmas blizzard

December 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

A blizzard may have delayed holiday week basketball in Southern Illinois this year, but it couldn’t stop it. Many of the regions’ girls’ and boys’ basketball tournaments that traditionally start on the day after Christmas will begin today, Dec. 27. Here’s a look at each Franklin County team’s schedule for the first day of games:

BENTON RANGERS (Boys)

The Rangers are playing in Pool C at the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic at Pinckneyville Community High School. They face Jerseyville at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Thomas Gym, and Teutopolis at 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Auxiliary Gym. Games on Saturday will depend on where they place in the pool Friday.

CHRISTOPHER BEARCATS (Boys)

The Bearcats play Vienna today (Thursday) at 1:30 p.m. in the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament. Play will continue Friday, Saturday and Monday.

SESSER-VALIER RED DEVILS (Boys)

Sesser-Valier plays New Athens at 8 p.m. today in the holiday tournament they are hosting at Sesser-Valier High School. Play continues Friday, Saturday and Monday.

WEST FRANKFORT REDBIRDS (Boys)

The Redbirds will play in the Eldorado Holiday Tournament, which runs Friday, Saturday and Monday. They face Fairfield at 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

ZEIGLER-ROYALTON TORNADOES (Boys)

The Z-R boys play Waltonville today (Thursday) at 10:30 a.m. in the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament. Play will continue Friday, Saturday and Monday.

BENTON RANGERETTES (Girls)

Benton’s girls are playing in the tournament they host, the Benton Rangerette Christmas Classic 2012. The Rangerettes play Anna-Jonesboro at 11 a.m. today, Trico at 12:30 p.m. Friday and Goreville at 7 p.m. Saturday.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Christopher High School Sports, Featured, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Rangerettes knock off Harrisburg 58-46 in key Ohio Division match up

December 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Benton Rangerettes picked up a key Southern Illinois River to River Ohio Division victory last night defeating Harrisburg 58-46.

The Rangerettes, leading only 20-18 at halftime, opened the third quarter with a stifling three-quarter court press and forced five consecutive turnovers that they converted to eight quick points to build a 10 point lead.

“We ended the second quarter kind of struggling offensively and decided to throw the press at them and see if we could generate some offense from our defense,” said Benton coach Andy Sloan. “Harrisburg has good guards so I was surprised that our press hurt them like it did. It was the turning point in the game.”

Benton, playing perhaps its best overall game of the season, jumped out to a quick 12-7 first quarter lead behind five points from Cali Carney. Harrisburg received a big lift off its bench in the first half as Kelsey Hobbs and Devan Jones combined for 10 of the Lady Bulldogs 18 first half points. Hobbs hit a pair of three-pointers in the second quarter when Harrisburg outscored the Rangerettes 11-8 to claw back to within two – 20-18 – at the halftime intermission.

During a frantic two minute stretch to begin the third quarter Benton got four points from Morgan Corn, four from Sami Minor and two from Evelyn Mendez to put the game out of reach. After scoring 20 points in the first half Benton outscored Harrisburg 25-10 in the decisive third frame to take a 45-28 lead.

Harrisburg, on some key outside shooting by Lindsey Murray and Ashley Ferrell, cut the margin to 10 points at the midway point of the fourth quarter but the Rangerettes hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the win and improve to 9-4 overall. The victory also pulls the Rangerettes even with Harrisburg in the tough Ohio Division of the SIRR where it has turned into a four-team battle. Benton and Harrisburg both are 3-2 in conference play and every team including front runners Herrin and Massac County all have at least one loss. Benton still has games at home against Massac County and Herrin. Last night’s loss drops Harrisburg to 11-3 overall.

Benton was led in scoring by Cali Carney, who turned in her best overall performance of the season narrowly missing a triple-double. Carney tallied 16 points, 16 rebounds and eight steals in the victory and was followed closely by Morgan Corn who had 13 points to go with 9 rebounds. Also scoring in double figures for Benton was Evelyn Mendez with 10 points. Minor turned in a steady game and scored nine points, followed by Mikala Carney with six and Marcela Mendez and Katie Sandusky with two points each.

The Rangerettes are idle until they host the annual Rangerettes Christmas Classic that will be held on Dec. 27, 28 and 29. The round robin affair will feature unbeaten Goreville along with Hamilton County, Trico, Carterville and Anna-Jonesboro.

Pairing for the Rangerettes Christmas Classic are:

Dec. 27

Session 1

11:00 a.m. – Benton vs. AJ

12:30 p.m. – Hamilton County vs. Trico

2 :00 p.m. – Carterville vs. Goreville

Session 2

5:30 p.m. – Trico vs. AJ

7:00 p.m. – Goreville vs. Hamilton County

8:30 p.m. – Benton vs. Carterville

Dec. 28

Session 1

11:00 a.m. – Goreville vs. AJ

12:30 p.m. – Benton vs. Trico

2:00 p.m. – Carterville vs. Hamilton County

Session 2

5:30 p.m. – Trico vs. Goreville

7:00 p.m. – AJ vs. Carterville

8:30 p.m. – Benton vs. Hamilton County

Dec. 29

4:00 p.m. – Carterville vs. Trico

5:30 p.m. – Hamilton County vs. AJ

7:00 p.m. – Benton vs. Goreville

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports, Uncategorized

Benton students collect items for food pantry

December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

The Benton High School Fellowship of Christian Students/Fellowship of Christian Athletes club recently collected food items for the Benton Ministerial Alliance food pantry.

The students had read that the food pantry was running low this fall and wanted to do something to help. It was completely their idea.

Items were donated by Benton High School students and faculty in their classrooms at the school.

In addition, items were collected at the gate at the home football playoff game against Robinson this year. Ultimately, several hundred items were collected and donated.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Benton News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , ,

Sophomore Rangers get a win over Carbondale

December 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Dakota Head makes a free throw to go up by 2 at the end of the game.

By TAMMY HEAD

Benton took the lead early and held on for the entire game to win 56-54 over Carbondale. The sophomore squad was hitting on all cylinders Monday night equally sharing the scoring responsibilities.

Ahead 21-18 after the first period, Rangers extended their lead to 39-26 at the half maintaining a ten point lead at the end of the 3rd.

Carbondale made a run at Benton at the 6 minute mark bringing the score to 49-46 with 5:30 left to play. Rangers continued to battle for the next 5 minutes, then with 33 seconds remaining, Carbondale was within 1 point. Dakota Head hit the front end of a pair of free throws to make the score 56-54. Carbondale had time to tie it up but couldn’t get the shot to fall. Rangers held on to win 56-54.

Coach Brett Blondi said, “I thought our kids played extremely hard and turned out a gutsy performance.  We made big stops when we needed to.  I was very proud of our kids effort.”

Scoring for the Rangers:

Trey McDaniel – 12, Martin Ward – 12, Jesse VanHorbeke – 12, Gus Gibbs – 10, Dakota Head – 8, Brendon Ritchason – 2

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Freshman Rangers lose a close game against Carbondale

December 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Chase Owens brings the ball down with pressure from Carbondale’s Joon Choi.

By TAMMY HEAD

Benton’s Tyler Marler had almost half of the Ranger’s points in the first half. Marler had 10 points providing the Rangers with the stability they needed to be ahead 22-18 at the half. Marc Torres was 4 for 4 from the line adding those all important free throw points in the first half as well.

While the Rangers still held the lead 27-24 at the end of the 3rd period, Carbondale had started to gain some momentum. At the 4:34 mark in the 4th quarter, Carbondale tied the game. Carbondale was able to take the lead on 2 free throws by Patrick Moore. Although the Rangers had several chances to regain the lead, they were unable to do so.

Carbondale was consistent at hitting their free throws in the final minute of the game to widen the lead. Final score was Rangers 35-Terriers 41.

Scoring for Benton:

Tyler Marler – 12, Chase Owens – 7, Marc Torres – 6, Brendan Ritchason – 6, Levi Pearce – 4

Trevor McKinney also saw action for the Rangers

Scoring for Carbondale:

Justin Robinson – 10, Trenton Payton – 10, Joon Choi – 6, Unree Westley – 5, Kobe Lewis-Moss – 4, Patrick Moore – 4, Shahere Lark – 2

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports

Benton roars back in second half to hand Lady Devils first loss of year

December 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

By Jim Muir

It was a tale of two halves at Benton’s East Gym Monday night as the Rangerettes rebounded from a 16-point deficit to defeat Sesser-Valier-Waltonville 51-49.

The Lady Devils entered the game with a perfect 10-0 record and lived up to their billing as they blistered the nets in the opening half, shooting 76 percent from the field while coasting to a 37-23 halftime advantage.  S-V-W, who put a pair of 9-0 runs together in the first half, enjoyed its biggest lead of the night late in the second quarter doubling up the Rangerettes 32-16.

The off-the-charts shooting by S-V-W included 5-of-7 shooting from behind the arc and coupled by 10 first half turnovers by Benton it appeared the Lady Devils were in command and heading to their 11th win of the season.  But a rejuvenated Benton team took the floor in the third frame and quickly began taking control of the game.

“I didn’t yell at halftime,” said Benton coach Andy Sloan.  “We just talked about playing better defense and taking better care of the basketball.”

Those words sank in for the Rangerettes as they outscored S-V-W 15-7 to cut the deficit to a workable 44-38 heading into a wild and sometimes frantic final quarter.  S-V-W had eight turnovers and went 6:20 seconds without scoring in the quarter as the Rangerettes whittled into the lead.

The comeback was complete for Benton with less than two minutes to play when sophomore Cali Carney hit two free throws to give Benton a 48-47 lead.  The Lady Devils came back and grabbed a 49-48 lead moments later on a layup by Chelsea Miller with only 16 seconds remaining.  Benton took a time out to set up a play and Morgan Corn made a strong move to the basket and scored and was fouled with only 10 seconds remaining to put the Rangerettes up 50-49.  Corn hit the charity toss and a final shot by the Lady Devils to tie the game fell short giving Benton the victory.  Corn turned in a double-double for Benton with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

“This is a nice win for us and I think a confidence-builder,” said Sloan.  “We played well at Marion in the tournament to open the season but has had some ups and downs since.  We are still looking for our identity.”

After trailing 37-23 the Rangerettes outscored S-V-W 28-12 in the second half holding the Lady Devils to three two-point field goals and six free throws.

The win improves Benton to 8-3 overall and is the first of three ‘big’ games for the Rangerettes this week.  Benton travels to Massac County Tuesday night to take on the always-tough Lady Patriots and the returns home on Thursday to close out the pre-Christmas portion of its schedule against a much-improved Harrisburg team.

Along with Corn’s 16 points Benton got eight points from Evelyn Mendez and Sami Minor and six points each from Katie Sandusky, Mikala Carney and Cali Carney.  Rae Lappin led the Lady Devils in scoring with 16 including a pair of 3-pointers.  Chelsea Miller added 11 points followed by Rachel Marlo with seven points, Meagan Eskew with six and Mikala Williams and Cheyenne Pitchford with four each.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Uncategorized

Benton wrestlers defeat AJ

December 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Benton Rangers wrestling team picked up a victory over Anna-Jonesboro on Monday night defeating the host Wildcats 56-12.  Listed below are the results.

 

BENTON – 56
ANNA-JONESBORO  – 12

106 – Jarred Burnett won by forfeit.
113 – Double forfeit.
120 – Benton forfeited to Lennie Kissel(A-J)
126 – Chase Worthey won by forfeit.
132 – Chris Worthey won by forfeit.
138 – Peyton Smith won by forfeit.
145 –Daniel Krug won by pin in 2:52 over Jacob Albert(A-J)
152 – Jarron Bennett won by pin in 2:49 over Teddy Albert(A-J)
160 – Luke Blackman won by forfeit.
170 – Double forfeit.
182 – Zach Mocoby won by forfeit.
195 – Double forfeit.
220 – Devon Siveking won by forfeit.
HVY – Jordan Piercy lost by pin in 1:36 to Chris Edwards(A-J).

Benton is 8-2 (1-0 in SIRR Ohio Divison) on the season.  Next up for coach Duane Bean’s team is a much anticipated appearance at the annual Class “A” Super Duals held at Huff Hall on the Campus of the University of Illinois. This prestigious event, held on Dec. 28-29 plays host to 32 of the top Class A schools in Illlinois.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports

Benton wrestlers finish 5th, Peyton Smith shines at Cumberland meet

December 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Benton Rangers wrestling team turned in a solid 5th place finish Saturday in the 17-team Cumberland High School “Skull & Crossbones Invitational Tournament.

Benton tallied 120 points in the prestigious event trailing Prairie Central (246.50), Shelbyville (179.50), Herrin (147.50) and Lawrenceville (124.00).

Individually the Rangers were led by freshman Peyton Smith who improved to 17-1 overall during the first year of his high school wrestling career.  Smith registered three wins on the day in the 132-pound class by pinning Jimmy Pearsley(Herrin) in 1:30, Zach Kocher(Lawrenceville) in 3.00 and Paul Garcia(Prairie Central) in 1:30.

Brothers Chris and Chase Worthey also had an outstanding day in Cumberland – Chris Worthey finished second and Chase Worthey finished third in the 126-pound and 120-pound classes respectively.

Benton coach Duane Bean said his young team “grew up a lot” during the tough competition.

“We wrestled well,” said the Benton coach. “It is a good tournament and we’re a better team after competing this weekend. Even some of our kids that didn’t win really improved.”

Bean pointed out that Benton was only four points out of fourth place and took only 10 wrestlers to the tournament that had 14 different weight classes.

He gave high marks to Chris and Chase Worthey and also to Smith.

“Chris and Chase wrestled very well and both were in a tough bracket,” said Bean. “And Peyton beat a kid who is ranked in the state, pinned him in 90 seconds. Peyton had a great day.”

TEAM SCORES

PRAIRIE CENTRAL         246.50
SHELBYVILLE        179.50
HERRIN            147.50
LAWRENCEVILLE        124.00
BENTON            120.00
CUMBERLAND        116.00
CARLYLE            112.00
OLNEY            111.00
MT. OLIVE               98.50
MT. CARMEL           88.00
OAKWOOD               80.00
CARMI-WHITE COUNTY       54.00
CARTERVILLE             46.00
HARRISBURG           42.50
DECATUR EISENHOWER    35.00
EFFINGHAM           33.00
EFFINGHAM ST. ANTHONY  9.00
CASEY-WESTFIELD         6.00

(Benton wrestlers listed in all CAPS)

132 LBS – PEYTON SMITH– Champion
Pinned Jimmy Pearsley(Herrin) in 1:30
Pinned Zach Kocher(Lawrenceville) in 3:00
Pinned Paul Garcia(Prairie Central) in 1:30

126 LBS—CHRIS WORTHEY finished in 2nd Place
Pinned Levi Baker(Effingham) in 1:16
Won by major decision 10-2 over Antonio Alvarez
Lost 6-2 to Eli Roberts(Herrin)

120 LBS—CHASE WORTHEY finished in 3rd Place
Pinned Jacob McKinstry(Lawrenceville) in 0:46
Lost 6-3 to eventual champion Zach Zvonar(Carlyle)
Beat Colton Carmody(Olney) 10-5 for 3rd Place

138 LBS—DANIEL KRUG finished in 5th Place
Pinned Hunter Welch(Carmi-WC) in 1:58
Lost to Wyatt Fox(Shelbyville) 4-1
Pinned James Kruep(Carlyle) in 3:30
Pinned Braden Dees(Carterville) in 3:20
Pinned Shon Calvert (Mt. Olive) in 5:20 for 5th Place

170 LBS—ZACH MOCABY finished in 6th Place
Pinned Cody Ayers(Oakwood) in 3:06
Lost 9-0 to eventual champion Josh Hicks(Shelbyville)
Won by major decision 10-0 over Tim Sturm(Olney)
Won 9-5 over Kane Garcia(Mt. Carmel)
Lost 6-2 to Tyler Godden(Cumberland)

106 LBS—Jarred Burnett finished in 6th Place
Lost by pin to AJ Dees(Carterville) in 0:46
Won by pin in :57 over Aaron Nettles(Carlyle)

152LBS—Jarron Bennett(did not place)
Pinned Tyler Flood(Carlyle) in 0:39
Lost by technical fall 15-0 to eventual champion Sam Schuler(Prairie C)
Pinned Jeff Klelel(Effingham) in 2:22
Lost by Pin in 5:39 to John Sandschafer(Eff. STA)

285 LBS—Tyler Wiliiams(did not place)
Lost 8-4 to Dillon Walters(DEC. Eisenhower)
Won by Pin in 0:16 over Trent Carll(Casey-Westfield)
Lost by pin in 1:14 to Brent Morgan(Mt. Carmel)

195 LBS—Devon Siveking(did not place)
Pinned David Nibbe(Oakwood) in 3:22
Lost by pin in 3:04 to Timmy Carll(Cumberland)
Pinned Scott Jones(DEC Eisenhower) in 1:03
Lost by pin to Dakota White(Mt. Olive) in 1:02

145 LBS—Luke Blackman(did not place)
Lost by pin to Zach Poe(Cumberland) in 1:22
Lost by pin to Zach Horatscki(Oakwood) in 2:25

BENTON PLACED 5TH PLACE AS TEAM IN THE 18 TEAM TOURNEY!!

BENTON TOOK 10 WRESTLERS TO CUMBERLAND AND 6 OF THEM PLACED IN THE TOP 6.

Benton will return to action TONIGHT when they travel to Anna-Jonesboro with the meet starting at 6:30pm.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Uncategorized
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