Benton tops Warriors; advances to Class 4 quarterfinals

KEARNEY, Mo. (KQTV) — The Benton girls basketball team is one step closer to a state Final 4 appearance.

The Cardinals defeated the Smithville Warriors, 51-37, in the Class 4 Sectional Round Monday night.

Smithville led the Cardinals, 9-7, at the end of one. Benton stormed back in the second quarter to lead 19-11 at the break.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals were able to keep their distance, 37-26, despite Smithville responding with a 15-point quarter. Benton kept its lead in the fourth quarter with 14 points in the quarter and seven of those points coming from senior guard Eliana Arambula.

Arambula led the way for the Cardinals with 17 points.