By Kyle Roberts
There was no doubt in Memorial Gym Monday night.
The Ruston High Lady Bearcats cruised to a season-opening win over the Benton Lady Tigers by a final score of 65-44, playing their first game in the new venue for the season while Ruston High’s main gym continues to undergo renovations.
“Tonight went as expected in certain ways,” Ruston head coach Meredith Graf said. “There’s a lot of newness; it doesn’t matter how many times you practice and how many times you scrimmage, but tonight its for real and it counts. It changes things. I thought that my older group, my seniors, were very reliable all across the board. I thought our energy was good at times.”
Ruston High was led in scoring by senior guard Jaliyah McWain with a total of 22 points on the night.
“I think we’re pretty spread out across the board in a lot of ways which is a great sign,” Graf said. “Everybody’s learning where to be and what kind of shots they’re going to get and learning to be prepared for those more and then execute.”
Graf wanted to be sure to highlight her front court for their good play tonight, as well, in seniors Skylaar Spencer and Jordan Tate.
“Spencer had so many good hustle plays,” Graf said. “She works really hard in the post. Jordan, too. When she was in, I thought she did a good job of being physical, and it’s just a tough job and a thankless job.”
Senior Aakeyliah Jones finished with 15 points, while senior Zaccheya Jackson added 13.
Ruston returns to action on the road tonight at Minden High School. Tip off is set for 6:00 p.m.
