Nearly perfect Benson leads Hornets to big win

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Darien Friday 1-6-12 Hinsdale South's Jerry Stoltz chases after the loose ball during their game against Addison Trail held at Hinsdale South HS in Darien Friday evening 1-6-12. | Kevin Tanaka~for Sun-Times Media.

Updated: March 19, 2012 1:59AM

Brock Benson has had plenty of big games before, but perhaps none like this one. He was nearly perfect.

The 6-foot-8 senior from Hinsdale South scored a career-high 26 points on 12-of-13 shooting and could have had more despite shooting 2-of-8 from the free throw line. Benson also had 12 rebounds to lead the Hornets to a 71-57 victory Saturday over Glenbard East at the Downers Grove North Winter Classic.

Benson scored 11 points in the first half. Eleven of his baskets came on layups and his other field goal was a dunk off an assist by Jerry Stoltz with 4:24 remaining in the first quarter. That dunk, a two-handed hanger while coming off the baseline, tied the game at 8-8.

“I’m happy with my performance tonight,” said Benson, who scored 24 points against Eisenhower Dec. 28 in the Hinsdale South Holiday tournament. “My teammates got me the ball.”

Benson played the last four minutes with four fouls and dominated inside for the Hornets (9-7), who were coming off a 40-38 loss to Leyden Jan. 10. Benson’s only missed shot came after his lone basket in the second quarter, a rebound and layup with 3:58 before halftime.

“Brock Benson did a great job,” Hornets coach Vince Doran said. “I don’t know what it is, but he had to have a high percentage (shooting). He gets great looks and he finishes. He’s such a presence. We need him on the floor. He played smart tonight (with four fouls).”

With Benson dominating inside, senior guard Phil George heated up from the outside after making only one three-pointer in the first quarter. George had 23 points, including three three-pointers, and fellow guard Jerry Stoltz had 10 points, all in the first half.

Glenbard East (8-7) was led by Dante Bailey’s 18 points and eight rebounds. Bailey was the only regular to start Saturday after the Rams lost 50-44 to Wheaton Warrenville South Friday night. Rams coach Scott Miller started four other players who are normally reserves.

“We’re shaking things up and taking a look at the juniors,” Miller said. “We feel strongly about those guys.”

Yashua Trent added 11 points for Glenbard East.

The Rams couldn’t find a way to stop Benson or George. George had 11 points in the third quarter and shot 8 of 14 from the floor for the game.

“They got three good shooters and scorer type of guys,” Miller said. “Those guys did all the damage.”

Hinsdale South outscored the Rams 13-5 in the second quarter and led 33-26 at halftime.

“When Phil has got it going and Brock is in the inside, they are difficult to defend,” Doran said.