By ISAAC BOURNE | For The Arkadelphian

It was a long night for the Lady Badgers (9-5) in their 79-45 win Tuesday over the Camden Fairview Lady Cardinals (9-7), in which 16 fouls were called against them on the night, with impact players such as senior center Makayla Gentry and senior guard Amya Snowden seeing more time on the bench due to foul trouble.

With that extended time on the bench for the seniors, coach Jonathan Klein brought in some sophomore talent that helped weather the storm for the Lady Badgers, allowing them to take control of the game and eventually run away with it.

Klein said he was very proud of his underclassmen after the win. “The sophomores, they’re just stepping up and growing up every day before my eyes in practice and in games,” he said, “and they’ve been a huge part of our success with the senior leadership and the sophomore talent.” 

Arkadelphia had four players score in double digits on the night, the most they have had all season. Sophomore guard Taylor Aultman dropped 11 points,  sophomore guard TeTe Tate and Makayla Gentry both had 14, and senior guard Liyah Smith led the team in scoring again with 24 points, nine of which coming at the free throw stripe.

“They jumped out on us and punched us in the mouth, but we responded well and we were able to handle the pressure,” Klein said about his team after the game. “It was definitely good to see a good team win.”

The Lady Badgers are back in action on Friday night as the Hope Lady Bobcats (2-1) come to town.