BASKETBALL: Rangers run over Indians into Sectional
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Nothing can wake up an offense like a couple of made shots. Jared Johnston proved that Friday night in the Benton Class 2A regional final.
With the Rangers struggling on offense, Johnston came to the forefront, hitting three 3-pointers to jump-start Benton's offense and lead it to a 52-34 win over Du Quoin.
The Rangers (20-12) will now face Harrisburg at the Eldorado sectional. Harrisburg defeated Massac County to win the Vienna regional Friday. Olney will play Pinckneyville in the first semifinal at Eldorado on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., Benton playing Harrisburg Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
Johnston's bombs gave Benton an 11-8 lead after one period and the Rangers were never headed the rest of the way.
"I got some open looks, so I took them and hit the shots," Johnston said. "We were struggling a little bit on offense and we needed it."
Benton coach Ron Winemiller saw the same scenario.
"We just didn't have our feet underneath us," he said of Benton's start. "When J.J. hit those shots it took the weight of the world off of us and we just went on from there."
Benton scored 13 of the first 17 points in the second period to go on top 24-12 before Du Quoin guard Cayle Diggins hit two straight 3-pointers to cut the lead to 24-18.
Trey Garrett hit 1 of 2 free throws before the half to give the Rangers a 25-18 lead at the break.
The third period was all Rangers, as they put the game away.
Benton scored the first 14 points of the second half to take total command. The Indians didn't get on the scoreboard until 1:55 remained when Diggins hit a baseline jumper to pull Du Quoin within 39-20.
Mason Childers started Benton's big run with a rebound hoop, Johnston hitting two freebies for a 29-18 lead. Tyler Leffler hit a 3-pointer from the corner and on the ensuing inbound pass, Garrett stepped front and picked up a steal, driving to the hoop for a three-point play and a 35-18 lead. A Landon LaBuwi banker and Cody Smith jumper gave Benton its 39-18 lead.
The Rangers led 41-22 after three quarters.
"That run has been the way we have played most of the season," Johnston said. "Our defense shut them down and we got points from everyone.
"We executed our game plan well in the third quarter."
Winemiller was proud of his team's defense in the period.
"Our pressure finally started to pay off and (Du Quoin) got tired," he said. "Our defense got us some easy baskets and that was huge."
Benton slowed its offense down in the third period, passing the ball around for good looks. Johnston hit his fourth 3-pointer for a 44-22 lead and Childers got loose for two baskets and two free throws, as the Rangers pulled away.
Benton had good balance on the night, Childers scoring 15, Johnston 14 and Garrett 12. Diggins had 12 points, Brandon Williams 11 to lead Du Quoin.
"We did get good balance," Winemiller said. "Childers picked us up in the third and fourth quarters with some easy baskets that opened up a lot of other things for us."
The win is Benton's second straight regional crown and Winemiller said his team has plenty left to play for.
"Last year we were kind of setting the cornerstone for the program, but this year we are looking for a more sustained run," he said. "Last year we had to play the number one team in the state and this year we have a fighting chance and I like where we are."
Du Quoin 8 10 4 12-34
Benton 11 14 16 11-52
Du Quoin: Di Beltz 0 0-0 0, N. Boss 0 0-0 0, Galik 4 0-1 8, Williams 5 1-4 11, Da. Beltz 0 3-4 3, Diggins 4 2-2 12. Totals 13 6-11 34.
Benton (20-12): Smith 1 0-0 2, Johnston 4 2-2 14, Garrett 4 2-3 12, Childers 5 5-6 15, Leffler 2 0-0 5, LaBuwi 1 0-0 2, Hartley 1 0-0 2. Totals 18 9-11 52.
3-pointers: DQ 2 (Diggins 2), Benton 7 (Johnston 4, Garrett 2, Leffler)