Tigers Scratch Win for First Time 2016-17

by Nick Dickens
Staff Writer

BENNETT

– The Bennett Tigers picked up their first win on the 2016-17 hoops season with a 58-36 victory over visiting Frontier League foe Lake County Dec. 6.
But the orange-and-black couldn’t carry over the momentum to the next night as Resurrection Christian blitzed the Tigers in the second half in a lopsided 89-44 decision in their own early-season tournament.

LAKE COUNTY

– The orange-and-black took control of Tuesday’s conference game early, running out to a 22-12 lead after one quarter and building the lead to 39-18 at halftime. After intermission, the game slowed down and was more competitive but Bennett kept the Panthers at bay, posting a 19-18 second-half advantage.

“Overall it was a solid team effort and it’s always good to get a league win early,” said Bennett coach Kevin Ross.

The Tigers had their best shooting performance of the young season, making 22-of-50 from the field, including 5-of-10 from outside the three-point line. An area of improvement continues to be the free-throw line, where Bennett shot 23 free throws but made just nine.
Senior forward Jacen Brewer topped the team in scoring with 13 total points while junior inside player Jake Francis chipped in 9.

“We were able to pretty much do what we wanted inside early. We did a good job of attacking the lane and finishing,” added Ross. “We missed a few easy ones in the second half, but nothing too bad. Our shot selection was also better and we didn’t force as many threes.”

The Tigers pounded the Panthers on the boards and on the defensive end of the floor with 38 rebounds, 15 steals and five blocks. Brewer topped the team with eight boards. Sophomore Jimmy Goodnight was the team leader in steals with three thefts. Senior Connor Strong turned back two Panther shots.
“We pressed a little and they broke it pretty easy,” Ross recalled. “When we switched to man, they struggled, and we shut down what they were doing.”

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