MCKENZIE, Tenn. –The Bethel Lady Wildcats opened their 2016-2017 basketball season Friday night beating Hiwassee 79-33 in Crisp Arena in the Annual Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Classic.
The No. 10 ranked Lady Cats got out of the gate quickly and often running out to a 48-9 lead at halftime. The Lady Wildcats held Hiwassee to just 21 percent from the field while shooting 36 percent from the floor on 30-of- 82 shots. Bethel was 11-of-42 from behind the three-point arc.
Bethel had a 59-34 advantage on the boards and scored 26 points off 23 Hiwassee turnovers. The Lady Cats bench outscored their opponents 31-20 in the game. Bethel had a 27-10 advantage in points in the paint.
Three players scored in double figures. Freshman Morgan Martin opened her Bethel career in style leading her team with 16 points. Shamon Pearson followed with 13 points. Ariel Johnson had a great debut with 10 points and nine rebounds. Another freshman Brianna Fields had a good debut with nine points and 12 rebounds. Madison Steppee had a solid effort with nine points and 12 boards.
Bethel Coach Chris Nelson was pleased with his team's play. "We did a good job jumping out to a big lead and that was good for our confidence. We had a lot of good contributions from a lot of players and we need that this year. We look forward to a challenge against a very quick Harris-Stowe squad which played Campbellsville really tough earlier."
Hiwassee played the game as an exhibition and is 1-1 on the season.
No. 4 Campbellsville beat Harris-Stowe earlier 65-58.
Saturday Campbellsville will meet Hiwassee at 3 p.m. while the Lady Cats tangle with Harris-Stowe at 5 p.m. Fans can catch both games on Wildcat Vision as radio will be with the football Cats at Lindsey-Wilson.
The Lady Cats play their home opener Tuesday night hosting Brescia at 6 p.m.
