Brock a big rock in South’s program

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Joe Goddard

Updated: March 24, 2012 8:34AM

The future is big for big Brock Benson at Hinsdale South where the 6-foot-8, 235-pound basketball star is putting the finishing touches on a big four-year varsity career of more than 1,000 points, and school records in rebounds and blocked shots.

Coach Vince Doran will miss Benson big time next year when Benson hopefully will be playing for a college with a big-time program.

“Brock undoubtedly is the most-talented 17-year-old I’ve ever coached,” Doran said. “He’s as accomplished academically as he is athletically. He’s one of the youngest seniors in school, which make his career here all the more remarkable. He has a great frame for the game.”

The modest Benson thanks former Hornets’ star Josh Ward, now playing at College of DuPage, for helping him develop his inside game.

“Josh was a senior when I came up as a freshman,” Benson said. “He taught me how to play the post. I still need work on my perimeter game, but Josh helped me with all the rest.”

Things are busy for Benson with the state playoffs coming up at the same time he is interviewing for college scholarship opportunities. He has some schools in mind, especially those with engineering courses, but official recruiting trips will just have to wait.

“There’s a new NCAA rule that could benefit Brock where seniors can play AAU ball in the spring with college coaches in attendance,” Doran said. “It will be a good time for everybody to get to know everyone. Brock is certain to catch their attention. I would think Ivy League teams or mid-major schools would be interested in a power forward like Brock. He likes the contact that comes with that position.”

The Hornets backed down to no team this year with seniors Benson, Phil George, Dijon James and Johnnie Jasper teaming with juniors Jerry Stoltz and Justin Ward to put scares into West Suburban Conference Gold Division powers Proviso East and Downers South.

The Hornets:

Led No. 2 state-rated Proviso East by a point at halftime of a game in Maywood before yielding the floor.

Almost upset Downers South on five three-point baskets by Stoltz before losing 55-52.

Beat Lyons Township 58-51 at LT, prompting Lions’ coach Tom Sloan to say, “Benson is a load. He and George are a tough duo when they get going.”

Benson loved playing really good teams in his four years.

“We battled everyone and when it was over, we’d all say, ‘Nice game.’ I’ll remember those games the most.”

Take a bow

South’s girls of coach Jen Belmonte sparkled, too, with an 11-1 WSC Gold record for their first championship since 2004.

The players never will forget Belmonte celebrating in practice by shouting, “We’re finally rated, we’re finally rated,” the first time the Hornets cracked the area’s Top 25 list.

Belmonte, who starred for former South coach Brenda Whitesell, won’t have Andrea McNally, Uzo Okoro, Natalie Tomerlin and Brittany DeClouette next year, but Toni Romiti and Kristin Dimitrijevic are back to try again.

Hopeful future

Hinsdale Central girls coach Tom McKenna loses senior starters Mary Byrne and Lauren Pavich to graduation, but all-purpose Lily Sarros returns to help the Red Devils improve upon three times as many victories this year as last season when they dropped a school-record 26 games.

“Lily has been rock-solid for us,” McKenna said.

Sarros rejoins sensational freshmen Gabrielle Rush, who had games of 29 and 26 points, and Sydney Griffin, who had a late-season game of nine points, eight rebounds, five steals and two blocks.