Benjamin, Wilson lead Leesville past Southeast Raleigh, 83-57
Posted 1:23 a.m. today
Raleigh, N.C. — Senior Jalen Benjamin and junior RJ Wilson combined for 41 points to lead Leesville past Southeast Raleigh, 83-57, Wednesday night on the Bulldogs’ home court.
Benjamin led all scorers with 23 points, and Wilson added 18 points in the Pride’s 15th win of the season.
Leesville rebounded on Wednesday after falling to underdog Sanderson Tuesday night. The Pride has split each of its last six games and owns a 3-3 record since Dec. 30.
Wilson said the Pride played with a chip on its shoulder against Southeast Raleigh one game removed from losing its first conference game of the year.
“We just have to keep playing together as a team,” he said. “The more we stay together, the better off we’re going to end up.”
Leesville left no doubt it was the Pride's night early in the contest, outscoring Southeast Raleigh 22-6 after the first quarter.
Southeast Raleigh held Benjamin scoreless in the second and third periods, but Wilson picked up the slack with 11 points while Benjamin was shut out.
The Bulldogs took advantage during Benjamin’s slump and outscored Leesville 37-32 during the middle frames.
Benjamin rebounded for 14 points in the fourth quarter to spearhead a 29-14 Leesville run that buried any hope of a Southeast Raleigh comeback.
The Bulldogs didn’t help their case at the free throw line, finishing 3-for-9 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter.
In addition to Benjamin and Wilson, Leesville senior Wes Zemonek finished in double figures with 10 points.
Southeast Raleigh senior Reese McDonald tallied a team-high 16 points on Wednesday and freshman Brone Brinson added nine points
Leesville (15-3, 6-1 Cap 7) will host Millbrook at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Southeast Raleigh 4-15, 1-6 Cap 7) will play the Wildcats three days later on Monday at 6:30 p.m.