A-J girls win twice at Benton Tournament

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School girls’ basketball team finished 2-2 in the Rangerette Christmas Classic Tournament at Benton.

“I’m very proud of our girls’ effort,” A-J coach Brian Clark said. “They competed very well in the tournament. Our record doesn’t show it, but we’re getting a lot better.”

The Lady Wildcats had Destiny Dillow and Chandra Parr named to the all-tournament team.

Benton 39, A-J 34: The Lady Wildcats fell behind early and couldn’t catch up in the loss to the host team in the third-place game Wednesday, Dec. 29.

The Rangerettes led 10-6 after one quarter and 23-17 at the half. A-J made an 8-4 run in the third quarter to only trail 27-25 headed into the final period.

Dillow had 13 points to lead A-J. Emma Basler added 9 points, Valerie Pender 4, Brooke Chamness and Erica Friebel 3 apiece and Parr 2.

A-J 54, Carterville 32: Parr led the way with 23 points in the win Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Basler added 12 points, Dillow 6, Chamness 4, Kim Mixen 3 and Rebecca Mitchell, Friebel and Jessi Stone 2 apiece.

The Lady Wildcats led 9-8 after one quarter and 21-17 at the half. A-J took control in the third quarter to build a 40-28 lead going into the final  period.

Flora 49, A-J 43: The Lady Wildcats fell behind 20-6 after one quarter and could never catch up in the loss Monday, Dec. 27.

Flora led 24-14 at the half and 39-27 going into the final period.

Stone led the way for A-J with 15 points. Dillow added 12 points, Parr 9, Pender 4 and Basler 3.

A-J 58, Hamilton County 54: Dillow led A-J in the opening-round win with 24 points Monday, Dec. 27.

Parr added 13 points, Stone 12, Basler 7 and Mitchell 2.

The Wildcats led 14-10 after one quarter and 24-22 at the half. A-J led 39-34 going into the final period.

A-J, 8-9, is scheduled to play at home against Cobden Saturday.