A new year and the second season of the basketball campaign commences tonight when the Bryant[more] High School teams return to action against the arch-rival Benton High School teams at the Hornets’ Nest.
The two schools will meet twice this season because, for the first time since 2001, they’re in the same conference. Bryant rejoined the South Conference this year and, fittingly enough, takes on Benton to get things rolling.
The varsity girls game begins at 6 p.m., with the varsity boys to follow at around 7:30.
Both girls teams come into the game off of narrow defeats. For Benton, 9-4 overall, it was the finals of the Battle of the Brier at Greenbrier, against Rogers Heritage. For Bryant, it was in the consolation final of the Spa City Shootout against Clarksville. The Lady Hornets a 6-8 on the season.
The Lady Panthers feature returning standouts Madi Brooks and Korie Parker with an influx of talented sophomores.
Bryant has been tough defensively all season and is at its best when the scoring has been consistent with firepower from seniors Logan Davis and Courtney Davidson along with junior Dezerea Duckworth.
The boys teams have posted two of the best records in the conference during non-league action. Benton, fresh from capturing the championship of a tournament at Mountain Home, is 11-2. The Panthers boast a considerable size advantage over the Hornets, led by junior Josh Bowling and senior Graham Gardner.
Bryant was 9-1 entering the annual Coke Classic in Fort Smith last week despite starting the season with no returning starters from their run to the semifinals of the Class 7A State Tournament last year. The Hornets ran into a sizzling North Little Rock team at Fort Smith then lost a rematch with Texarkana, Texas before finishing with a win over Subiaco.
Though not as big, the Hornets are quick. They’re led by guards C.J. Rainey, K.J. Hill, Tyler Simmons and Greyson Giles. Inside, Brian Reed has been getting most of the playing time lately with senior Zach Cambron out with an deep thigh bruise. It is hoped he’ll be back in the rotation tonight.
7A/6A-SOUTH CONFERENCE
Girls
Team Conf Ovl
Texarkana 0-0 10-4
Lake Hamilton 0-0 9-3
Benton 0-0 9-4
Pine Bluff 0-0 7-2
Sheridan 0-0 7-3
El Dorado 0-0 7-7
Bryant 0-0 6-8
Little Rock Fair 0-0 0-0
Boys
Team Conf Ovl
Benton 0-0 11-2
Sheridan 0-0 11-3
Bryant 0-0 10-3
Texarkana 0-0 8-7
Lake Hamilton 0-0 6-6
Pine Bluff 0-0 5-5
El Dorado 0-0 5-6
Little Rock Fair 0-0 0-0
*records are unofficial
Friday, Jan. 4
Benton at Bryant
El Dorado at Little Rock Fair
Lake Hamilton at Sheridan
Pine Bluff at Texarkana
Tuesday, Jan. 8
Little Rock Fair at Benton
Bryant at Pine Bluff
Sheridan at El Dorado
Texarkana at Lake Hamilton
Friday, Jan. 11
Benton at Sheridan
Bryant at Little Rock Fair
El Dorado at Texarkana
Lake Hamilton at Pine Bluff
Tuesday, Jan. 15
Texarkana at Benton
Sheridan at Bryant
Lake Hamilton at El Dorado
Pine Bluff at Little Rock Fair
