5A Girls Preview: Lady Eagles Open Strong Against Lady Wolves in Benefit Game

On Saturday, in a benefit game matchup between two of my favorite teams, the Vilonia Lady Eagles showcased early-season form with a 70-46 victory over the Lake Hamilton Lady Wolves. This preseason matchup, held at Vilonia High School, allowed both teams to test their skills and chemistry, setting a promising tone for what lies ahead. Varsity squads took the court for the first half, with junior varsity players closing out the second, showing fans a blend of returning talent and fresh faces across both teams.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Jeremy Simon, the Lady Eagles demonstrated why they are the reigning champions of the 5A Central and two-time state runner-ups. With an impressive mix of seasoned and young players, the starting five remained largely unchanged from last season, including Sidni Middleton (Class of 2025, Guard), Maddie Mannion (Class of 2026, Guard), Brooklyn Burnham (Class of 2027, Forward), Briana Burnham (Class of 2027, Guard), and Kim Henry (Class of 2027, Forward). Their teamwork and skill set an early pace, revealing a group that continues to develop while maintaining the sharpness that made them nearly unstoppable in conference play.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Blake Condley’s Lady Wolves, top finishers in the 5A South last season, stepped up despite the loss of several senior players. The absence of Saniyah Cook, a forward from the Class of 2026 known for her commanding presence and passion under the basket, was felt on the court. Her return promises to bring an added level of strength and intensity to the lineup. Juniors Disyah Christon and Hayley Ferguson, both versatile forwards from the Class of 2026, anchored the team’s efforts, supported by talented players like Sophie Pucket (Class of 2027, Guard), A’Miah Easter (Class of 2026, Guard), and Sarah Landrum (Class of 2027, Post).

This benefit game was an ideal warm-up, offering each team a glimpse into the season’s challenges and goals. With Greenwood’s three-year reign over 5A continuing to cast a wide shadow, both Vilonia and Lake Hamilton will likely use games like this one to fine-tune their play and aim for strong runs in the coming season.

In the opening 3:35 of play, the Vilonia Lady Eagles charged forward with an 11-5 run, setting an early tone for the game. For the Lady Wolves, junior forward Disyah Christon carried her team in these early minutes, putting up all 5 of their points as she battled through the Lady Eagles' defense. By the end of the first quarter, Vilonia’s defensive pressure was evident; they tallied an impressive 8 steals and shot 10-19 from the field, while Lake Hamilton went 5-10 from the floor. This gave the Lady Eagles a solid 24-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

As the first half closed, marking the end of varsity play before transitioning to the junior varsity players, the Lady Eagles held a 39-22 advantage. Their defense continued to dominate with 14 steals compared to the Lady Wolves’ 5. Sidni Middleton, a standout guard for Vilonia, showcased her all-around skills, notching 12 points on 6-12 shooting, pulling down 4 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and adding 4 steals to her stat line. Her efforts reflected the intensity and precision that have become Vilonia’s hallmark.

The second half saw the junior varsity squads from both teams take the floor. For Vilonia, Katy Simon (2027), Haven Buck (2026), Kylinn Kenney (2025), Kinslee Keller (2026), and Alex Duff (2026) carried the baton, bringing their own blend of skill and energy to the court. Simon and Buck especially stood out, with both guards driving to the basket confidently and fighting for rebounds. Buck’s defensive awareness shone as she picked up 4 steals, maintaining Vilonia’s aggressive stance. On the Lake Hamilton side, Hannah Pitts (2025) emerged as a key player off the bench, anchoring the post with her solid play under the basket. She went 3-6 from the field, also sinking 2 free throws and making her presence felt as a reliable scoring option.

The combination of Vilonia’s early defensive surge and balanced junior varsity performance ensured their comfortable 70-46 win, setting both teams on a clear path to refine their tactics as they look ahead to the regular season.

These are two remarkable programs in the 5A, both of which have become favorites of mine for good reason. With rosters brimming with talent, relentless defense, and impressive three-point shooting, these young athletes have the drive and tenacity to make a fierce run at the state title come March. I’m excited to see the growth that will unfold over the coming months as these teams, along with the rest of the 5A, battle it out to show who's best. The graphics included here showcase the final stats for both teams, capturing the standout efforts from this exciting preseason matchup.

KFletch 🏀🖤