The boys basketball team at Cartersville has gotten off to a 7-0 start for the season, defeating their opponents by as many as 52 points in one game.

In their success, head coach Mike Tobin said Hunter Benham stood out.

Benham is a 6-foot-2 junior power forward for the ’Canes and Tobin said he has a strong work ethic and pushes everyone harder.

“He’s the hardest working guy on the team. He’s going to bring it during every practice. The other kids know if they don’t work hard, he’ll make them pay,” said Tobin.

Benham has played for Cartersville since his freshman year, but this is his first year on the varsity team. Tobin said he wasn’t so sure about Benham when he came out for the varsity team during the summer, but now he has been a big part of the team’s current record.

As a post player, Tobin said Benham’s job is predominantly to grab rebounds, with scoring not being as important for him.

“He’s one of our best rebounders — averaging seven a game — and he gets after loose balls,” Tobin said.

Benham’s best game was against Rome where he pulled in nine rebounds on the night.

Aside from his work ethic and all things basketball related, Tobin said Benham is not only a great role model on the court but also in the classroom.

“He’s a great student. He’s seriously a kid you want in your program. The coaches love him,” said Tobin.