By MATT PIKE
The Benton girls basketball team led throughout most of their semifinal matchup with Doniphan, but a late run by the Donettes downed the Cardinals 52-42, knocking Benton to the third place game on Thursday.
The lead changed hands twice through the first quarter, starting with Benton getting the first shot off before Doniphan tied the game, but Eliana Arambula hit a three to put the Cardinals back ahead. The Donettes retied the game however, and took their own lead, before the Cardinals battled back, but by the end of the quarter it was Doniphan on top 12-11.
The lead changed hands to start the second quarter on a three point shot from Mikayla Grayson, but again Doniphan rallied to tie the game before Benton moved the lead back to three points on a layup by Arambula, following a free throw from Klarabelle Turner. Through the quarter, the Donettes tied the game one more, and took the lead back once as well, never letting Benton lead by more than three points and it was the Cardinals holding a 23-21 lead at the halftime break.
Doniphan tied the game to start the third quarter, but after that it was Benton taking control of the quarter. The Cardinals pushed their lead to as much as eight points, and by the end of the quarter held a six point lead on the team that kept them from a championship last season, leading the Donettes 37-31 thanks to a tip in layup from Arambula with eight seconds left in the quarter.
The Cardinals fought to hold their lead through the fourth quarter, but for the first time since near the start of the third, with four minutes remaining in regulation, Doniphan tied the game at 40, getting a three point shot off a turnover from Benton. After a timeout, the Donettes briefly took the lead before the Cardinals tied the game at 42, but to close the game Doniphan went on a 10-0 run on way to the 52-42 victory.
Arambula led the team with 20 points, 13 of those scored in the first half. Turner had eight points and 12 rebounds. Jenna Cox also scored eight points.
Benton will play for third place tomorrow morning against the loser of the Cardinal Ritter and Strafford matchup. Tipoff for the Class 4 third-place game is set for 10 a.m.
Postgame Press Conference (Audio courtesy Clifton Grooms)
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.