Dan Sobolewski was reminded Friday of Benet’s rich history in boys basketball history.
He is determined to add his own legacy.
In Benet’s first game in its historic Alumni Gym in six years, Sobolewski’s contributions down the stretch were crucial in the Redwings holding off Marian Central 56-48 for an East Suburban Catholic Conference win.
Benet (24-3, 7-1) moved a victory away from at least a share of its second conference championship in four years.
“I know my time here is coming to an end. I’m trying to do all I can to help my team win,” said Sobolewski, a senior guard. “It doesn’t have to be scoring. I’m happy to do what I can for my team.”
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Sobolewski did in finishing with nine points and eight rebounds, plus the big plays when they mattered most.
Benet led by as many as 18 points, but saw that margin whittled all the way down to 38-34 late in the third quarter.
Out of a timeout, Sobolewski made a gorgeous pass to Jason Malonga for a reverse layup, touching off an 11-0 run to restore order. Sobolewski later had a steal and assist ahead to Malonga during that stretch.
Marian Central (16-8, 3-5) closed to 49-43 with a minute left, but Sobolewski stepped up and stuck four free throws to close out the win.
When the chips are down, Benet coach Gene Heidkamp knows he can count on his third-year varsity player.
“He has a lot of poise. He’s played in about as big a game as you can play in,” Heidkamp said of Sobolewski. “He’s been through these situations before and he’s not rattled.”
This had the feel of a big game, for a unique reason.
Benet’s older, smaller gym was nearly full by halftime of the sophomore game. Students were shoehorned into a section of bleachers and filled the stage behind a basket.
Adding to the electricity, Benet’s players changed out of their usual uniforms just before tip off, coming out wearing old uniform tops and red shorts they unearthed from the school basement.
“I think it was (Benet junior) Jack Nolan that came up with that idea,” Malonga said. “It was a great environment, a great atmosphere.”
Malonga scored 11 of his 16 points in the first half and James Dockery added 12 of his 20.
Both took advantage of Marian’s strategy to not guard Malonga and instead stick his defender in the lane. Dockery repeatedly scored on handoffs and hard curls to the basket.
Benet appeared poised to blow out Marian, leading 32-14 early in the third quarter.
Marian, though, refused to wilt. Thomas Kaufmann scored 12 of his 14 points in the third quarter and Adam Pischke 20 of his 26 in the second half.
“We knew that it would be a tough game,” Heidkamp said. “They beat us last year. They just kept coming at us.”
After Kauffman’s fifth straight basket of the quarter got it to 38-34, Benet regained momentum with an 11-0 run capped by Dockery’s 3-pointer.
Nolan added nine points for Benet, which wraps up conference play Wednesday at home against Carmel. Marian Catholic, tied with Benet for the ESCC lead, plays Nazareth.
“It’s a special opportunity,” Sobolewski said. “At the beginning of the year everybody thought this league was going to be a two-team race. Nobody talked about us even having a chance.
“It’s my first chance to win it. I have one shot, and we have to win.”
Joshua Welge is a freelance writer for the Naperville Sun.