The Chillicothe Hornets boys basketball team was facing a tough test against Benton. The Cardinals entered the game 18-1, and ranked 2nd in Class 4 coming off their state runner-up tournament run last season.
Benton found success early with Jason Simmons who scored 10 points in the first quarter and the Cardinals opened up an early 7-0 lead. Chillicothe fought tough, and a Turner Jackson deep three at the buzzer made the score 25-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Benton continued to extend the margin going into halftime behind star guard Lincoln Goodwin who had 17 first half points and 23 for the game. Chillicothe trailed 40-16 at the half.
The Hornets showed heart and never backed down, with Jaishon White leading the way, scoring a team high 14. Benton proved to be too athletic, cohesive and talented, winning 71-36 on their home floor.
Chillicothe drops to 10-8 on the season and 1-1 in the MEC. The Hornets will host Ewing Marion Kauffman on Tuesday.
Chillicothe 11 16 30 36
Benton 25 40 61 71
Individual scoring:
Chillicothe – White 14, Jackson 9, Jack Marshall 6, Jaydin Kohl 3, Max Probasco 2, Burke Beetsma 2
Benton – Goodwin 23, Simmons 13, Zaidyn Woodward 11, Mach Mayom 10, Koby Groce 5, Jamarion Warner 4, Deontre Howard 3, Xavier Warner 2