Upward trend continues for Herenton

A sometimes starter last winter in his first year as a Stevenson Patriot, Willie Herenton has seen more than his playing time spike this season.

The 6-foot-2 senior combo guard has watched his game skyrocket.

"He's just flat-out good," Patriots coach Pat Ambrose said. "We think he's an all-state type of player."

Through 16 games, Herenton was averaging 16.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 assists for the North Suburban Conference leaders, while shooting 54 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line. Twice he's scored 23 points in victories.

He and his brother Rodney (Stanford) transferred to Stevenson from Whitney Young two summers ago.

"I think my confidence this year is at an all-time high, especially at the offensive end," said Herenton, who also has more of a leadership role this season. "I believe in my shot. I think I can make it every time. I think that's been the big part of my game that's changed from last year."

At Stanford, Rodney Herenton has played in five games for the Cardinal (11-8, 3-4 PAC-12), scoring 2 points in five minutes.

Libertyville's 1-2 punch: Fresh off scoring a season-best 34 points in a 51-42 win over Lake Zurich on Saturday night, Libertyville 6-foot-7 junior Drew Peterson dropped 31 points on Zion-Benton on Wednesday.

Despite the efforts of Peterson (6 of 11 from three-point range) and 6-1 senior Harrison Bach (season-high 29 points, 8 of 12 from beyond the arc), the Wildcats lost 82-77 to the host Zee-Bees.

Libertyville, which led 58-55 after three quarters, fell to 9-10 and 5-2 in the North Suburban Conference.

Peterson hit the 30-point mark for the third time this season.

Damarquis Henry scored 31 points (six 3-pointers) for Zion-Benton.