Benet stays perfect; awaits No. 1 Simeon

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Friday, Feb. 11, 2011
10:55 p.m.

By Michael O'Brien
YourSeason.com

Benet has held up its end of the bargain.

The Redwings knocked off Notre Dame 45-37 Friday in Niles, putting their record at a perfect 25-0. They dont play again before facing top-ranked Simeon on Feb. 19 at UIC.

Simeon still has to win three tough games in the city playoffs next. But if the Wolverines pull it off, it sets up the game the fans have craved all season: undefeated No. 1 Simeon vs. undefeated No. 2 Benet.

We have been trying not to think about Simeon, just taking it one game at a time, Benet guard David Sobolewski said. But its finally here now. We havent seen them play yet, but Im sure we will watch plenty of film this week.

Benet jumped out to a 13-2 lead that it never relinquished. The Dons cut the deficit to 37-35 on a jumper from Joe Ferrici with 2:37 to play, but the Redwings responded with an 8-0 run to seal the win.

We havent let it go to our heads, Sobolewski said. I think we all forget about the undefeated thing as soon as the game starts.

Sobolewski finished with 12 points and seven-footer Frank Kaminsky led the way with 16 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Pat Boyle added nine for Benet (25-0, 11-0 East Suburban Catholic).

I dont think we played our best game but Im pleased with the effort, Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. I think it was a very good defensive game on both sides.

Quinton Chievous led Notre Dame (18-5, 6-4) with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Rodney Pryor added 11 points and eight rebounds.

Benets unbeaten season is garnering some national recognition. USA Today ranked the Redwings No. 24 in the country on Wednesday. Simeon is No. 3.

We tried not to pay too much attention to that, Sobolewski said. A ranking is just a ranking. At the same time its nice to get that recognition.

Sobolewski missed some games in January with a back injury. While it hasnt healed completely, he said it is getting better.

It is still bothering me, Sobolewski said. But it felt a lot better tonight than it did last week.

Hes got seven days to rest up for Simeon.

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