ATHENS RIDES DEFENSE, BALL MOVEMENT IN 50-17 WIN OVER BENTON

By: Tim Birney  /  February 8, 2021

BENTON — Athens built a double-digit lead in the first half, then blew the game wide-open in the third quarter of a 50-17 rout of Benton here Monday night in non-league girls basketball action.

The Lady Wildcats held to just one field goal in the first quarter, and seven points in the first half.

“We played great defense all night,” said Athens coach Brian Miller.

Athens also had 15 assists on just 20 field goals in the win.

 “We had outstanding ball movement tonight, to get some nice baskets,” said Miller. “We shared the ball very well tonight.”

Senior Kayleigh Miller and junior Caydence Macik combined to score all of Athens’ points in a 13-2 first quarter run.

Athens used an 8-5 spurt in the second quarter to stretch its lead to 21-7.

Miller scored eight points, including a 3-pointer and an old-fashioned three-point play, in the third quarter, while Macik added six points, and seniors Megan Collins and Rachel Stephens chipped in with five and four, respectively, to fuel a 23-6 outburst that extended the Lady Wildcat advantage to 44-13 entering the final eight minutes.

Macik led Athens with 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight steals, five assists, and two blocked shot, and
Miller had 17 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, six steals, five assists, and three rebounds.

Collins added five points, three rebounds, and two assists in the win, while Stephens chipped in with four points, three boards, and one blocked shot, and freshman Mya Thompson recorded eight steals.

Gracey Baker led Benton with eight points.

Athens, now 10-3, hosts Troy Tuesday night.