LITTLE ROCK — The girls teams from Bethel Middle School opened the 2015-16 basketball season on Monday night, splitting with the host Anthony School Lady Panthers on Monday night.
In the eighth grade game, the Lady Panthers prevailed 26-20. In the seventh grade contest, the Lady Hornets won 24-9.
Both teams will play in their respective counterparts from Pulaski Robinson on Thursday at the Anthony School.
In the eighth grade contest, Casey Welch and Cali Rogers led Bethel with 6 points apiece. Natalie Harllee added 4 with Camryn Ausbrooks and Essence Williams scoring 2 each.
The game was tied 4-4 after a quarter. The Lady Panthers surged to build a 15-6 lead by halftime and led 22-10 going into the final period.
“We played a great fourth quarter but came up short in the end,” said Bethel coach Derek McGrew. “We really struggled shooting the ball but the effort was there.”
In the seventh grade game, it was the Lady Hornets who broke open the game in the second quarter, which started with the score 1-1. At the half, Bethel led 12-1. It was 18-7 through the end of the third quarter.
“It was a good start on the season,” McGrew stated. “The girls started out a little nervous but settled in after the first quarter. I’m proud of our defense and effort. This bunch will guard you. It’s going to be a fun season.
“I was glad to play all 13 girls and seven different girls scored,” he added.
Ashton Inman finished with 8 points. Addison Funk pitched in with 7. Abby Inman, Megan Brown, Emma Edmonson and Lexi Feagan scored 2 each and Baylee Huchinson hit a free throw.
