Frank Kaminsky is the biggest man in almost every gym he steps into.
The 7-footer’s mere presence gives Benet a significant advantage regardless of the quality of the team’s play.
The No. 4-ranked Redwings were far from their best Monday afternoon, but Kaminsky was in fine form as they opened the Proviso West Tournament with a 60-38 victory over Von Steuben in Hillside.
The Wisconsin recruit had 16 points on 8-for-11 shooting and blocked six shots. Northwestern-bound point guard David Sobolewski overcame a sluggish start to finish with 21 points and eight assists as Benet (11-0) set up a second-round meeting with New Trier at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday.
“Frank was big, especially on the defensive end,” Sobolewski said. “He altered so many shots. That was huge.”
Kaminsky was effective and efficient on the other side of the court. Every time Benet seemed to be sputtering offensively, a pass to the post did the trick.
“We did a better job of getting him the ball in the second half,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “We didn’t play well. Not because of the score, but we didn’t get to loose balls and didn’t rebound well. We needed to be a step faster. We need to clean things up if we’re going to continue to advance.”
Player of the game:
Frank Kaminsky, Benet, 16 points, 8-of-11 FG, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks.
Key performers:
Benet — David Sobolewski, 21 points, 8 assists, 4 steals; Matt Parisi, 10 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds. Von Steuben — Demetrius Faulkner, 13 points, 4 steals.
