The VikinglandSports.com Female Athlete of the Week is Sierra Benning of the Eagle Valley girls' basketball team.

 

Benning became the latest local athlete to top the 1,000 point scoring mark in her career with a 20-point performance at Menahga on Tuesday, February 23.  Going into the game, she only needed 11 to reach the milestone and got her 1,000th point on a three-point shot from the corner.

 

According to the scoring records of basketball players from Clarissa, Eagle Bend and Eagle Valley (Clarissa and Eagle Bend combined), Benning became just the 12th player overall and sixth girl in school history to achieve the accomplishment.

 

She followed that up with a 27-point game two nights later in Verndale.

 

For the season, Benning averaged about 15.5 points per game and led the Lady Rebels in points scored, shooting percentage, free throw percentage and steals.

 

"Sierra is a basketball fanatic!" excalimed Eagle Valley head coach Mark Lundin.  "She is a hard worker and fun to be around.  Sierra performs way beyond her 5'2" frame.  What she lacks in size, she more than makes up for with heart.  She is also a great teammate and a solid student in school."

 

This season, VikinglandSports.com has been trying to learn more about our AOTWs and share that information with you.  We asked Sierra a few questions about her likes/dislikes, etc. Here are her answers:

Family: Father- Ray, Mother- Marlo (Own Independent News Herald in Clarissa); Brothers- Tate (15), Tavin (3); Sister- Ashtyn (13)

Favorite Sport: Basketball

Favorite Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite Athlete: LeBron James

Favorite Actor/Actress: Paul Walker 

Favorite Movie (all time): Love & Basketball 

Movie you'd recommend seeing now: Dear John 

Favorite Musical Artist (this week): Jason Aldean

Favorite Musical Artist (all time): Anyone country 

Favorite Song (this week): Heart of a Champion 

Favorite Song (all time): Someday (Flipsyde)

Favorite Subject in school: Spanish

Least Favorite subject: Algebra II 

Favorite Activities/Hobbies: Sports, hanging with friends

If you were stranded on an island, five (5) people and/or things you want to have with you: Taalyr Egeness, basketball, little brother Tavin, lots of food, parents

 

Congratulations to Sierra Benning of the Eagle Valley girls' basketball team, the VikinglandSports.com Female Athlete of the Week.