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| IHSSN Broadcast Central at Riverton |
Dwight vs. Pleasant Plains (Boy's Basketball)
Riverton Shootout
(2/12/11)
One of the student helpers at the shootout brought me up something before the Dwight/Pleasant Plains game. It was a music stand. Since my stool was to the left of the table, I was putting my score book on my legs during the broadcasts. I'm not sure who the innovative person was who noticed this, but it is extremely appreciated. In fact, I had never even thought of it. The hospitality at the Riverton Shootout continues to amaze me!
Dwight is one of the teams at the shootout that I was excited to see play, especially the 6'9" senior, Jens Kennedy. He will be headed to Quincy University next fall, and he didn't disappoint today!
Starting Lineup (Dwight)
Tyler Hogan (5'10" Jr.)
Cal Vigna (5'11" Sr.)
Jack Steichen (5'11" Jr.)
Matt Hooker (6'1" Jr.)
Jens Kennedy (6'9" Sr.)
Starting Lineup (Pleasant Plains)
Dan Reiser (5'9" Sr.)
Braxton Lanier (6'1" Jr.)
Michael Cameron (5'8" So.)
Lucas Studach (6'3" Sr.)
Dylan Warrens (6'2" Sr.)
The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead, 15-8 after the 1st quarter. Both Studach and Cameron nailed outside shots to lift the nearby team early. Plains continued their scoring barrage in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Trojans 17-10 and led 32-18 at halftime. This was unexpected.
Cliff Cameron always puts together some great teams. His team enters just 14-10, but they play some tough competition, playing at the large-school Jacksonville Tournament at Thanksgiving and arguably one of the best 1A/2A Christmas Tournament in Illinois, the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament (I'd probably rank it behind the State Farm Classic).
At halftime, a former Cardinal great was present at the Hawk Center. IHSA Legend of Basketball Dusty Bensko, who led Pleasant Plains to a pair of state basketball championships (1999-00 & 2001-02) as well as a state baseball championship (1999-00). He played minor league baseball in the Minnesota Twins organization. I caught up with Dusty for a few minutes and said he is now coaching at Lincoln Park (Chicago), a member of the Chicago Public League's tough Red division. He is pursuing his master's degree.
Pleasant Plains continued to roll in the 2nd half, beating Dwight 50-35. Taylor Staff was named Player of the Game, scoring a team-high 13 points. Michael Cameron was also in double figures for the Cardinals, scoring 10 points.
KENNEDY!!!
For those familiar with WWE wrestling, Jens Kennedy made several big plays, scoring a game-high 18 rebounds and took advantage of his size (6'9") in getting rebounds and a couple blocks. Every time he made a big play, I wanted to yell out, "KENNEDY....KENNEDY," a reference to wrestling's Mr. Kennedy and his ring entrance. I'll admit it, I used to be an avid professional wrestling fan.
This Kid's Destined For Big Things
Dwight has a player with a big-time name. He is destined to do something big in life. With a name like, Matt Ferrari (5'7" Jr.), he can't go wrong. In fact, I just may steal that name for any future karaoke tours. "Up next, the Karaoke King....Matt Ferrari (with emphasis on the name, in a distinct punch of confidence)." I love it!
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