Prep Hoops: Rangerettes take second at Nashville Invitational

Staff Report
NASHVILLE -- Benton capped off its week at the Nashville Invitational, taking Okawville to the wire in a 44-37 loss in Saturday night's championship game.
After outscoring Okawville 12-8 in the third quarter to take a one-point 28-27 lead into the fourth, Okawville closed out the final eight minutes on a 17-9 run to win the title.
Ensley Tedeschi scored a team-high 14 points and was the lone Rangerette in double figures, while Braelyn Miller scored seven points. Kiley Cockrum chipped in with six points for Benton, while Addi Krueger and Ryleigh Bates each tacked on three points. Jacey Eubanks and Malia Webb both finished with two points.
The Benton duo of Ensley Tedeschi and Addi Krueger were both named to the All-Tournament Team.
Benton head coach Andy Sloan referred to the Nashville Invitational as a "tough tournament," but one that he hopes helps prepare his team moving forward.
"When you have a Final Four of Mt Vernon, Okawville, Nashville, and Benton I think you are in some pretty good company," Sloan said. "I thought our team played well and our defensive effort was tremendous. We grew as a team and are much better walking out these doors than we were when we walked through them (when the season started). We will build on the positive things we did and work on the things we need to get better at. This team enjoys playing together and playing for each other, and that in itself will win a bunch of games as long as it continues."
SATURDAY
Benton 32, Nashville 26
Addi Krueger led Benton with 10 points as the Rangerettes picked up a 32-26 win over the host Hornets in the first of two games Saturday at the Nashville Invitational.
Ensley Tedeschi just missed out on double figure scoring, netting nine points, while Braelyn Miller and Kylie Cockrum each finished with five points. Malia Webb tacked on three points for the Rangerettes in the win.
TUESDAY
Benton 47, Wesclin 24
Ensley Tedeschi had a game-high 23 points in Benton's 47-24 win over Wesclin Tuesday night at the Nashville Invitational.
The Rangerettes jumped out 20-9 first quarter lead and led 28-13 at halftime.
Benton got another six points from Addi Krueger, while Malia Webb finished with five points. Kylie Cockrum and Braelyn Miller each tossed in four points, while Jacey Eubanks tacked on three points. Ryleigh Bates rounded out the Rangerette scoring with two points.
MONDAY
Benton 48, Collinsville 34
Ensley Tedeschi had a game-high 20 points as the Rangerettes kicked off the Nashville Invitational with a 48-34 win over Collinsville.
Benton put two other players in double figures as Braelyn Miller added 11 points and Additional Krueger tossed in 10 points.
Kylie Cockrum finished with five points and Malia Webb had two points.