A night later, in the same gym, Fillmore Central’s girls made noise. The Falcons have a senior center with broad shoulders. Through the first six games of the year, Kendyl Bennett wasn’t a major factor. FC’s leading scorer from 2015-2016 (10.3 PPG) tallied a modest 43 points (7.2 PPG). Versus Mabel-Canton, she powered her way to a huge game in another tit-for-tat contest. FC got out early, getting a trio of Paige Bennett three’s to lead 17-10. But M-C ended the first half on a 13-2 run, scoring on their final six possessions. They led 21-19 at halftime.
The Bennett’s had all 19 Falcon points. M-C built their lead to 34-27 in the second half, quick guards triumphing over the larger Falcons. K-Bennett then scored eight points in a 12-2 FC run that put the Falcons up 39-36. M-C subsequently tied it at 39, only for FC to go on a 9-2 run. A K-Bennett offensive rebound (foul) and two free throws made it 44-41. A Tayah Barnes steal and score made it 46-41. Another K-Bennett o-board and lay-up made it 48-41. M-C scored five straight with under one-minute left (48-46; 0:10.3 left). Falcon Kenzie Broadwater was then fouled. The senior guard split at the line. M-C rebounded the second, got the ball up the court, and got up a rushed game-tying three-point attempt, but it was no good. FC grabbed the 49-46 win. K-Bennett was highly efficient/effective (26 points, 10-15 FGs, 6-6 FTs, 10 rebounds, 5 offensive-boards). She had 16 second half points. It was her second best effort ever. Sister Paige (9 pts, 3-6 three’s) and Broadwater (5 pts, 7 rebs, 5 assists, 5 stls) helped. In the last three games (all Falcon wins), K-Bennett has 58 points. FC (1-3, 6-3) has won six of seven (all against 1A foes). Coranda Vickerman (20 pts, 6 rebs) and Payton Danielson (13 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assists, 4 stls) paced the Cougars. M-C went 1-for-7 in the second half from deep, missing their last six three’s. They fell to 1-1, 5-4.