Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
Russell Conwell/River Radio Sports Central
WEST FRANKFORT — The top-seeded Benton Rangers used a balanced attack to overcome a quick start by Carterville and beat the Lions 64-48 to capture the West Frankfort 2A Regional championship.
Carterville, who had won nine straight coming in, jumped out to a 10-3 lead, but Benton closed the half on a 28-8 run to lead 31-18 at the break. The Rangers led by as many as 20 in the second half, then saw the Lions get as close as nine before winning by 16.
Senior Isaac Billington led four Rangers in double figures with 16, surpassing 1000 career points in the process. Luke Melvin added 15, Docker Tedeschi 13, and Evan Munoz 12. Carterville was led by Drew Barrington’s 14. Colton Hawkins added 11.
The Rangers improve to 29-3. They will head home for the Benton Sectional, where they will face Wesclin Wednesday night at 7:00 in the second semifinal. Breese Central will meet Massac County at 7:00 Tuesday night in the first semi.
The Lions finish their season 20-12.
