LEEDS — A little under nine months ago, the Benson County girls’ basketball team returned home with the program’s first state championship since 1987.

But their reign of glory isn’t over.

“This is a special group,” Benson County head coach Bryan Kenner said. “I tell people all the time, like, it really is special. They love each other. They love basketball. They’re work-a-holics. It’s a dream to coach.”

The Wildcats’ entire starting five is back. They were unanimously voted the preseason No. 1 by the NDAPSSA. Four of their starters were also key players on the volleyball team that went 30-5 this fall.

Times are bright in the Leeds and Maddock home gyms.

“I’m big on having fun,” Kenner said. “But we work hard, and we really focus when we’re doing stuff. … They’re a fun-loving group, bu

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