Preview: Benton boys look to build off success of last season

By Jacob Meikel

The Benton boys basketball program saw its historic season get cut short, but will saddle the horses for a potential run in the 2024-25 season.

Last year, the Cardinals exceeded expectations, going on to win the MEC regular season title, and they showed that the program has turned a corner.

“We’re excited about this year and we’re ready to get going,” head coach Jared Boone said. “When you can return a good core, it’s always good heading into next year.”

With 21 wins under their belt, including a 16-game winning streak to end the regular season and a perfect 9-0 record at home, the Cardinals were poised to make a run in the postseason. Benton earned a bye in the first round of the Class 4 District 16 tournament, and drew rival Lafayette in the semifinal round. The Fighting Irish’s talent and familiarity with the Cardinals, as well as home court advantage, helped propel Lafayette over Benton to put the Cardinal’s season to a heartbreaking end when Michael Redman scored the winning basket as time expired.

“Obviously, last year, we fell short of our goal, but last year we learned a lot about ourselves, and that builds a lot of confidence,” junior Lincoln Goodwin said. “So coming into the year, we feel a lot better.”

The Cardinals graduated three seniors from last season, and return some of their top scorers in junior Goodwin and senior Myles Bachali. With last season’s letdown in the rearview mirror, Bachali says he’s focused on being a leader for the group heading into this season and making sure teammates are giving 100 percent day in and day out. And as far as achieving the team’s ultimate goal, the other focus for Bachali heading into his final season is quite simple.

“Just winning, that’s it,” Bachali said. “Keep winning, and keep grinding as a team, just be there for one another always.”

Benton boys basketball opens up its regular season next week against St. Michael the Archangel on Nov. 25.