Bonnett, Benet lower the boom on Curie

PONTIAC - The defending tournament champion was at a complete loss.

Benet scored 11 of the first 12 points in its Pontiac Holiday Tournament quarterfinal against traditional Public League power Curie and went on to thoroughly dismantle the Condors 67-46 Tuesday afternoon at the famed boys basketball event.

Making their first appearance here since 2001, the Redwings not only won their sixth straight game but also earned a date with St. Charles North in the first semifinal on Wednesday.

"If we had a better (game this season), I wasn't there," Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. "(The players) have a lot of pride in what they do."

Colin Bonnett, the Redwings' most significant returnee from their state runner-up team, hit four 3-pointers in leading four Benet starters in double figures with 16 points.

The senior guard also did a masterful job on the Condors' electric guard Josh Stamps, who was held to 4 points.

Bonnett hit back-to-back 3-pointers early in the second quarter to help stake the Redwings to a 32-20 lead at halftime.

"We did a good job of finding whoever they weren't guarding," Bonnett said. "We did a great job of executing the things you need to do in a game like this."

Clearly alarmed by its first-half deficit, Curie (6-2) came out with a different resolve in the third quarter.

But every time it seemed as though the Condors might change the course of the game, Benet had a response.

In addition to its exceptional perimeter shooting, Benet also bedazzled Curie with its unselfish ball movement.

The result was often Benet players scoring on uncontested layups off unending extra passes.

"We shared the ball and played good defense as usual," said Benet guard James Dockery, who finished with 10 points. "We knew (the Condors) were capable of coming back with some kind of run."

It never materialized.

Benet was nearly flawless in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points in cruising to a most unlikely of blowout wins.

"They are really team-oriented," Heidkamp said of his current squad. "I'm very lucky to coach a group of kids who share the ball."

Benet finished shooting almost 62 percent (26-for-42) from the field.

The Redwings also owned a 31-21 advantage in rebounding and had but 10 turnovers against the Condors' fearsome press.

Cameron Graves' 14-point day included but a lone missed shot for Benet.

Dan Soboleweski had 15 points, along with 5 assists without a turnover.

"We got beat by a better team," Curie coach Mike Oliver said. "We were trying to take No. 11 (Bonnett) out of the game. He kept everyone on their team comfortable. He was a facilitator."

Devin Gage had 13 points to lead Curie.