By Marisa Dawson
The Bennington Badgers delivered a commanding performance in a home doubleheader on Thursday, January 15, defeating the visiting Waverly Vikings in both the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games at Bennington High School.
The evening kicked off with the girls’ game, where the undefeated Bennington squad dominated from start to finish, securing a decisive 75-32 victory. The Badgers built a comfortable lead early, outscoring Waverly 14-8 in the first quarter and pulling away with strong second (19-7), third (20-8), and fourth (22-9) quarters. Standout performances included Haydin Jackson leading the way with 19 points, Macie Reiner contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Skylar Johnson adding 9 points. Bennington’s efficient offense and stout defense overwhelmed the Vikings throughout, improving the team’s impressive overall record to 15-0.
The boys’ matchup followed, with Bennington continuing the momentum in a convincing 74-47 win. The Badgers showcased superior ball movement and defensive intensity, forcing 21 turnovers from Waverly while committing only 8 themselves. They also tallied 14 steals and 5 blocks, while shooting 47% from the field (including an impressive 42% from three-point range) and dishing out 19 assists. Bennington improved to 8-5 overall (2-1 in league play) with the victory.
Following the boys’ game, head coach Luke Olson spoke about the team’s recent success. The Badgers have now won five of their last six games, and Olson highlighted the key factors contributing to their improved play.
“This two week stretch, it’s been really busy,” Olson said. When asked about the small things making a big difference in recent outcomes, Olson replied: “We’re a little more efficient on offense, the ball’s moving better, we’re shooting a little bit better defensively. They’re doing a good job of being involved in the game plan, the scout report, knowledge… They’re just executing. We’re just getting connected, so it’s been good to see.”
The doubleheader provided Bennington fans with an exciting night of basketball, as both teams demonstrated strong execution and defensive prowess on their home court. The Badgers now look ahead to their next matchup on Saturday afternoon, carrying positive momentum into the busy stretch of the 2025-26 season.
