McKenzie, Tenn. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats finished their regular season with a 97-42 win over the visiting Faulkner Lady Eagles Thursday night at Crisp Arena. With the win No. 14 Bethel improved to 21-9 overall and 17-3. Faulkner dropped to 18-11 and 10-9.
A barrage of three pointers was the story for the victorious Lady Wildcats. Bethel hit ten of their season high 17 three-pointers in the first half and led at the break 47-15. Morgan Martin hit four of her game high six three's in the first two quarters.
The onslaught continued in the second half with Bethel outscoring the visitors 50-27 in the second half. The 97 points are the most scored by the Lady Wildcats this season. Bethel is 14-0 when scoring 70 or more points in a game this season. Shamon Pearson, Jasmine Whittemore and Mariah McKenty each hit three three-pointers. Cayla Sheets had two treys.
The Lady Wildcats were 17-of-35 from three-point land. They shot 47 percent from the field hitting 34-of-72 shots. Bethel held Faulkner to just 25 percent from the floor as the Lady Eagles were 15-of-60 from the floor. The Lady Eagles hit just six of 26 attempts from the three-point area. Faulkner had 19 turnovers while Bethel committed only six in the game.
Martin finished with a game high 24 points. Pearson had 13 tallies while Whittemore and Madison Steppee had 11 each. Faith LeGate led Faulkner with nine points.
Coach Nelson was pleased with his squad's performance. "Tonight was a perfect way to send our seniors out at home and was the exact medicine our team needed after a long road trip. It is also important for us to be playing well heading into post season. I thought we moved the ball exceptionally well and took rhythm shots. We will take a couple days to rest and then gear up for the best time of year."
Bethel honored four seniors in pre-game activities. Cayla Sheets, Alexis Hardaway, and Mariah McKenty along with manager Tierca Williams were saluted before their final appearance in Crisp Arena.
The Lady Wildcats will play in the SSAC Championships Thursday in Montgomery. Time and pairings will be posted when available.
