5 Takeaways: Benet vs Marian Catholic
PrepHoopsIllinois took in a game between two teams that came into the game on long winning streaks as Benet traveled to Marian Catholic. It seemed like this was going to be a fun game to watch. It was all Benet from the jump. Benet began on an 11-2 run behind their defense and transition scoring. They pushed the lead to 28-11 at the half. Marian Catholic got back in the game with the play of Malik Tidwell cutting the lead to seven at one point early in the fourth quarter. Benet won the game 43-34 on the road. Here are our 5 Takeaways: Benet vs Marian Catholic.
Benet is So Well Coached
The first aspect that stands out is how well coached Benet is! Gene Heidkamp is one of those handful of coaches in the state that wins 20 games purely based on his system and how high level of a coach he is. Over the years he has won with both D1 players and not as highly recruited prospects. The later is the case this year. All he does is win!
Benet’s Defense and Passing
The reason Benet won this game was their lockdown defense early in this contest. They didn’t allow anyone other than Tidwell to play up to their abilities in this game. Benet didn’t give up dribble penetration from one of the best guards in the 2020 class Ahron Ulis. They switched when they needed and played team defense. Active hands throughout the game created turnover after turnover which they turned into points. Offensively the entire team can pass the rock swinging a good shot for a great shot. The constant ball movement wears down opponents.
No Stars, No Problem For Benet
Benet is a program that has players over the years like Sean O’Mara, Frank Kaminsky, David Sobolewski, and even last year Jack Nolan who is lighting it up at a D3 school. They just don’t have a go to player or high level recruit on this team right now. Colin Crothers is a 6’8” sophomore that has a chance to develop into that, but he isn’t there yet. Struggled with the length of Alec Dinwiddie to corral rebounds at a high rate and score around him on the block. He still managed 8 points in the game and anchored in the post on defense. Best move of the night was a nice spin after getting deep post position finishing with his left hand. David Buh and Jacob Petrovic are a pair of senior shooting guards that have some skill. Buh is a kid that can hit a perimeter jumper and moves well without the ball. Petrovic hit an early three and got on the glass for a put back. Each had 7 points. D3/NAIA prospects. The player that really stepped up in this game was 6’4” 2019 forward Will Engels. The junior forward cut several passing lanes for steals and layups. Also was tough on the offensive glass with put backs. He had 12 points.
Malik Tidwell Carries Team
Marian Catholic would have got blown off the floor without Tidwell in this game. The strong and stocky scoring combo guard is powerful finishing in the paint with runners/floaters. He has a knack for drawing contact and getting to the line. Connected on one three, but mostly it was scores inside and from mid-range. Tidwell has D2 ability if he can continue to develop his point guard skills this summer. He has shown growth in that area. Also rebounds very well for his size. He had 19 points.
Both Teams Could Make Noise in March
Let’s start with Benet in 4A. They have proven over the years that they will make a run in March no matter who is on their team and are a program that can pull off an upset because of their coach and system. Benet is in one of the weaker 4A sectionals in the state. The team they might have to beat in the Lombard Sectional could be Naperville North or Hinsdale South. They would play the winner of the Jacobs Sectional in the super. That sectional might be the weakest overall. Larkin, St. Charles North, or Rockford Jefferson could be possible opponents. For Marian Catholic despite this loss they have a path to get to Peoria in 3A. They had been on a roll lately and we still think they have a shot to get downstate. Marian should glide into the sectional final without much problem where they will face a tough Hillcrest team. If they win that game they should be able to beat whoever comes out of the LaSalle Peru Sectional to get to state. 3A field isn’t great this year and they have the path to do some damage.