Undefeated Lady Wildcats Earn First-Ever Number One Ranking

McKENZIE (December 17-18) — Bethel (Tenn.) climbed to the top of the latest NAIA Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll for the first time in program history Wednesday, earning 14 first-place votes and 534 points after starting the season 13-0.

The Wildcats jumped one spot from No. 2 to No. 1, overtaking Dordt (Iowa), which now sits at No. 2 with four first-place votes and 510 points following a 10-1 start.

Campbellsville (Ky.) remains steady at No. 3 with a perfect 13-0 record and one first-place vote, while Dakota State (S.D.) and Marian (Ind.) round out the top five at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.

The Lady Wildcats defended their top rank Thursday and wrapped up the 2025 calendar year in dominant fashion, defeating Grand View 70-58 inside Crisp Arena to remain unbeaten and carry momentum straight into 2026.

For the first half of the afternoon game, the Lady Cats were cheered on by hundreds of area middle school students who took a field trip to Bethel on their final full day of school before the holiday break. Among them were the McKenzie Middle School Pep Band playing pep music from the stands.

Bethel (14–0) used balance, discipline and defensive consistency to pull away from the visiting Vikings, who entered the contest ranked among the NAIA’s top teams. After a tied first quarter, the Lady Cats steadily built separation, outscoring Grand View in each of the final three periods to secure the 12-point victory.

Micah Hart led the way with a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double while playing nearly the entire contest. Mikee Buchanan followed with 17 points, knocking down all six of her free throws, while MJ Simmons added 10 points and seven rebounds. Hallie Turner chipped in 10 points and five boards, rounding out a balanced scoring effort. The victory helped MJ celebrate her birthday.

Bethel’s efficiency at the free-throw line proved decisive, as the Lady Cats were a perfect 15-for-15, maintaining composure whenever Grand View attempted to close the gap. Defensively, Bethel limited the Vikings to just 33.9 percent shooting and held them to 12 points in the paint.

The Lady Cats took control in the second quarter with a 20-13 run and never relinquished the lead, matching Grand View’s physicality while consistently winning the rebounding battle, 37–28.

After the game, Head Coach Chris Nelson reflected on both the win and the season’s close.

“I’m incredibly proud of how our team finished the year,” said Nelson. “This group has grown together and shown great maturity. We want to wish our Bethel family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we’re excited to keep building as we head into 2026.”

With the victory, Bethel closes the year undefeated and confident, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting stretch of basketball when play resumes in the New Year.