Lady Wildcats in mid season form in opening night win

          Video includes a short preview of Laney's Saturday opponent Veterans.


Coach Otis Smart's defending state champion Laney Lady Wildcats showed in Friday's season opener why they are almost always the favorite, leaping to a 24-8 first quarter lead and clearing the bench in the third quarter on the way to a 77-45 win over Effingham in Friday's Wolfpack Tip-Off Challenge.

The expectations are high for this group as Laney returns everyone from last year's championship team except Aliyah Collier, now a Clemson Lady Tiger. Sure, Aliyah was a key piece. The key piece. But sophomore De'sha Benjamin, whom we've seen shine in the biggest moments (see last year's state quarterfinal game report), looks prepared to fill Collier's void.

Sophomore De'sha Benjamin scored 22 points in Friday's win.

Benjamin played nearly flawless basketball Friday, leading the break, hitting teammates in stride for easy baskets, and knocking down all three of her three pointers on the way to an impressive stat line: 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

Junior Aubriana Bonner scored 18 points (8-11 from the field). Senior Gemyia Bowman added 16, and sophomore Jhessyka Williams chipped in 10. The Lady Wildcats play Veterans Saturday at 4:30 in day two of the Wolfpack Tip-off Challenge.