The second-ranked (Class 4 MBCA) Chillicothe Lady Hornets beat the Benton Lady Cardinals at their own game on Thursday night, using stifling defense and standout athleticism to take a 44-34 win over the defending Class 4 state champions.
Leading 11-9 after one quarter, the veteran Chillicothe squad raced out to a double digit advantage by outscoring Benton 26-15 over the middle two quarters. Benton led only once in the contest, that advantage coming early in the first quarter.
The Lady Hornets dynamic forward duo played superbly, with Whitney Clampitt scoring 16 points and Katelyn Parkey adding 12. Hannah Jones and Karson Keithley both added three-point shots in the victory, scoring six points each.
Benton, dropping to 12-7 overall and 3-1 in the MEC race, had seven points each from Mia Henderson and Gabby Fuller, while Jayde Williams and Kennady Ruffcorn both scored six.
Chillicothe’s girls are now 18-1 on the season, and 3-0 in Midland Empire Conference play. Next week, the Lady Hornets play at Maryville on Tuesday night before hosting Savannah on Thursday.
Elsewhere in the MEC on Thursday night, the Savannah Lady Savages rolled past Bishop LeBlond, winning 56-25.
