Hardwood Heroes Sports
Morgan Bentley Celebrates Historic Moment for the Lady Vikings
By: Hardika Singh
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McARTHUR, Ohio- Every basketball player dreams of scoring 1,000 points in their career, but few actually attain that goal.
Vinton County Lady Viking Morgan Bentley achieved that goal in three years Thursday night and gave the Lady Vikings another reason to celebrate along with their 72-40 win against the Athens Lady Bulldogs.
Lady Viking Morgan Bentley started the game with an aggressive tempo. With less than 4:00 left in the first quarter, Bentley got a rebound, passed the ball to Teagan Bartoe who dribbled the ball across the court and assisted Josie Ousley for a basket. Bartoe displayed scoring prowess throughout the game as she scored six baskets and three three-pointers.
The Athens Lady Bulldogs were outmatched by the overall skill and size of Lady Vikings, especially visible in the second quarter when Cameron Zinn assisted Morgan Bentley to a deep three-pointer with 3:33 left. With this three-point basket, Bentley scored 1,000 points in her 3-year career. Audiences took to their phones to record the historic moment among the Bentley family.
“We checked the books and everything, and we knew that she had 21 going into the night that she needed,” said Coach Rod Bentley. “And honestly we wanted to get it off of her plate because obviously we got Nelsonville coming up. And she came out impressive. She played hard and the team was able to give her the ball. Probably the best first quarter I have seen her play.”
The Lady Vikings continued to build on their 43-21 lead but fouls soured the second half for them. The Athens Lady Bulldogs took advantage and increased their offense game in the third quarter as the Lady Vikings failed to convert, giving the Bulldogs a chance to catch up by nine points.
Lady Viking Josie Ousley increased the margin of victory for the Vikings as she opened the fourth quarter by stealing the ball within the first minute and driving it across the court for a quick layup, giving the Vikings their 72-40 victory.
The Vinton County Lady Vikings look to advance forward past this victory against the Nelsonville York Lady Buckeyes on Jan. 28, Tuesday, in Butchel, Ohio. Meanwhile, the Athens Lady Bulldogs travel to Adena to play against the Adena Lady Warriors on Jan. 25, Saturday.