Friday, Dec. 10, 2010
10:52 PM
By Michael O'Brien
YourSeason.com
Growing up in Lisle, Frank Kaminsky had some trouble holding on to the ballhe was always tall, but never all that strong.
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I used to, as a kid, get the ball taken from me, Kaminsky said. So I learned to get rid of it quickly. I know the defense is always there ready to collapse on me.
Kaminsky doesnt just get rid of the ball. Hes a lethal scorer who doesnt waste any time when he gets the basketball.
The 7-footer finds the quickest route to the hoop and finishes fast, with no regard whatsoever for style points. He passed up at least three dunks in Benets 64-58 win over Notre Dame Friday in Lisle while scoring 32 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He shot 14-of-16 from the field.
I knew I had the height advantage, Kaminsky said. My team did a great job getting me the ball.
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Notre Dame (7-1, 1-1 East Suburban Catholic) trailed from the first quarter on. The Dons rallied to cut the Redwings' lead to five on a basket and free throw from Quinton Chievous with 3:12 to play in the third quarter.
Benet (6-0, 2-0) responded with a 7-0 run to close out the quarter and end the threat.
We made a couple of good runs and they answered, Notre Dame coach Tom Les said. They are a very good team, a very well-coached team. They know their strengths. Both teams played hard. This is the kind of game you look forward to and work towards in the offseason.
Northwestern-bound guard David Sobolewski added 11 points and five assists for Benet. Pat McInerney grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. The Redwings dominated the board, outrebounding Notre Dame 28-17.
Ryan Tompkins led the Dons with 19 points and Chievous added 18 points and six rebounds.
We were fronting Kaminsky, Les said. We know if he gets it there was really no way for us to stop it.
Kaminsky, a Wisconsin recruit, scored 12 in the fourth quarter, including two crucial free throws with 46 seconds to play and Benet clinging to a six-point advantage.
Hes definitely stronger this year, Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. Hes not just a big guy, hes very skilled.