CN100 Game of the Week preview: Boys Basketball - Benet Academy vs. Fenwick

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.

Broadcast Dates/Times: Sunday, Jan. 10, Noon and 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m., on CN100, The Comcast Network.

Where: Fenwick High School, 505 Washington Blvd., Oak Park.

Records (as of 1/6/16): Benet (11-2 overall, 1-1 East Suburban Catholic), Fenwick (11-1 overall, 3-0 East Suburban Catholic).

Key players: Benet: James Dockery, Sr., G; Justin Enochs, Jr., G; Liam Lyman, Jr., G; James Malonga, Sr., SF; Jack Nolan, Jr., G; Dan Sobolewski, Sr., G. Fenwick: Mike Ballard, Sr., G/F; Quinn Fisher, Sr., G; Jacob Keller, Jr., G/F; Jamal Nixon, Sr., G/F; Mike Smith, Sr., G.

Fast Facts: Fenwick has always been solid in basketball, but was never known as a “basketball school.” That perception is changing with this talented group and a legendary coach in Rick Malnati. The Friars are No. 5 in the latest CSN Chicago power rankings. They are talented and battle tested after facing four Chicago Public League teams at the prestigious Proviso West holiday tournament, falling in the title game to top-ranked Morgan Park. Point guard Mike Smith is the headliner. Despite being only 5-foot-9, he is gaining interest from mid-majors and Ivy League schools. He leads the Friars in scoring, assists and steals while excelling on the defensive end. Malnati calls Ballard one of the best shooters in the state. Nixon is a natural wing, but plays in the post for the undersized Friars. Benet is its usual efficient, solid self. From the 2008-09 season – the junior year for current Charlotte Hornets forward Frank Kaminsky – through last year, the Redwings have won 21 or more games every year, compiling a 150-34 record. The Redwings are typically balanced and interchangeable this year. Dockery, Malonga and Sobolewski each average 11 points and can rebound and dish the ball. Benet’s losses are a double-overtime ESCC loss to Marian Catholic and to Joliet West at the Pontiac Tournament.

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