Russell Conway/Student Correspondent
Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

BENTON — The Benton Rangers hoped to send their seniors off with a win Tuesday night against their bitter rivals, the West Frankfort Redbirds. Seniors Reid Baumgarte and Keegan Glover stepped up big for the Rangers, combining for 28 points as Benton pulled away in the second half for a 71-47 win.

It wasn’t always easy for the Rangers, as the Redbirds led 15-14 at the end of the first quarter. Benton started to take control in the second quarter with six different players scoring. That helped the Rangers take a 28-25 lead at the end of the first half.

Benton came out red hot to start the second half. With 5:20 left in the 3rd quarter, the Rangers started a 15-3 run, with Baumgarte scoring 10 points during the run. Benton took a 49-33 lead into the fourth quarter.

Glover hit a corner three to start the fourth quarter. A few possessions later, another Rangers’ senior, Aiden Peach, blocked a shot and made an outlet pass to Glover for a fast-break layup. Baumgarte added a couple of layups during a 45-second span, for four of his team’s high 16 points.

The Redbirds’ leading scorers were Jack Hogg and Preston King, who both had 14 points.

Both teams will be back in action Friday night. Benton will try to carry positive momentum to Davenport Gym, to face the struggling Harrisburg Bulldogs. These two teams faced each other in early January at Rich Herrin Gymnasium, where the Rangers won 56-42. West Frankfort will return home to face first place Murphysboro. The Red Devils won the first meeting 84-44.