MCDONALD'S SWNEWS4U.COM GAME OF THE WEEK (Dec. 30–Jan. 6)

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Benton 42, Pecatonica 34

BENTON — Things are definitely looking up for the Benton Zephyrs girls’ basketball team in 2021.

The Lady Zephyrs (1-7 overall) opened the new year by earning their first win of the season and snapping a 31-game losing streak with a 43-34 non-conference victory over the visiting Pecatonica Vikings (1-4) at BHS on Monday, Jan. 4. 

It was the first win for Benton since a 42-29 decision over Belmont on Feb. 13, 2019.

“I’m so proud of our girls. We’ve been working really hard and I’m glad we were able to pull one out,” said Benton head coach Mitch Brant after earning his first varsity win in two seasons leading the Lady Zephyrs. “I thought tonight was a good game against two evenly matched teams. Pec is a well-coached team. We were able to get out to an early lead and every time Pec made a run, we made a timely basket.”

Senior Taylor Mowry was responsible for several of those key baskets, sinking four of the team’s six 3-pointers on her way to a career-high 16 points.

“I thought Taylor had the best game of her career. She hit some big 3s for us, but also showed great leadership,” Brant commented.

The Zephyrs’ defense also held the Vikings to no made 3-pointers on the night.

Sophomore Zoe Stluka chipped in with 12 points and fellow sophomore Kailey Fawcett added seven in the win.

Chloe Schraefper pace Pecatonica with a game-high 17 points.

Benton 43, Pecatonica 34
(From, Monday, Jan. 4 @ Benton)
Pecatonica… 17   17 – 34
Benton……… 23   20 – 43
Pecatonica– Busser 2, Schraefper 17, Peterson 8, Green 7. Totals – 14  6-9  34.
Benton – Taylor Mowry 16, Kailey Fawcett 7, Hannah Reints 1, Zoe Stluka 12, Olivia Haffele 3, Jocelyn Cummins 4. Totals – 16  5-7  43.
3-point goals– P 0, B 6 (Mowry 4, Fawcett 1, Haffele 1). Total fouls– P 14, B 12. Fouled out– P: Busser, B: Z. Stluka.