By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
The Beebe Lady Badgers wrapped up tournament play in the Cabot Pre-Holiday Tournament with a 58-48 victory over Searcy in the fifth-place game on Saturday afternoon.
Junior guard Kalela Miller led the way for the Lady Badgers with 26 points while senior Jamie Jackson added 20 points to make up the bulk of Beebe’s scoring. Defensively, the Lady Badgers held Searcy junior post player and former teammate Angelina Williams to six points and also limited the 6-4 college prospect’s rebounding. Williams went scoreless for the Lady Lions in the fourth quarter as Beebe added to its margin late.
The defensive job on Williams was just part of an overall defensive push in the second half for Beebe.
“We knew a little bit about her, and I’m sure that helped us a little,” Beebe coach Greg Richey said of containing Williams. “But we tightened up defensively on everyone in the second half, and she kind of fell into that. I think it motivated the girls – it really motivated Kalela. Anytime you go up against an old teammate, it brings out your best.”
Williams was starting post player for the Lady Badgers last year as a sophomore, and quickly attracted college interest with her large 6-4 frame, but returned to Searcy for her junior season.
Senior Whitney Emison added five points for the Lady Badgers while Sydney Gunter, Annlee Glass and Mackenzie Bingham each finished with two points.
Bingham, a sophomore reserve point guard, has developed into a consistent contributor for the Lady Badgers as a backup to Jackson.
“She’s a 10th grader trying to get used to senior-high basketball,” Richey said.
“She’s a point, and we use her to give Jamie a break, and then sometimes we move Jamie around and try different things with her. She’s adjusting to that, and she keeps working hard every day. She could be a big contributor for us before the year is out,” the coach added.
The Lady Badgers played at Vilonia last night after Leader deadlines and will host JA Fair on Friday.
