Colin Bonnett orchestrates Benet’s upset of Curie

PONTIAC, Ill — Curie coach Mike Oliver heaped praise on Benet’s Colin Bonnett after the senior orchestrated the Redwings’ 67-46 upset of Curie in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament quarterfinals on Tuesday.

“He dominated the game,” said Oliver. “You don’t always have to score points to dominate.”

Bonnett’s performance was a stark contrast to Curie’s lackadaisical form. He scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds, played the point guard position and completely shut down the Condors’ best player.

Bonnett marked Josh Stamps throughout the game, limiting him to just one field goal. He was 1 for 10 from the field, finishing with four points.

“I just did what I could to take him out of what he was good at,” said Bonnett.

Benet (8-2) jumped out to a 13-1 lead. Curie cut the lead to seven late in the third quarter, but that was as close as the game would get.

“We shot the ball really well,” said Benet coach Gene Heidkamp. “Our kids are unselfish. I’m very lucky to coach a group of kids that share the ball.”

Dan Sobolewski scored 15, Cameron Graves had 14 and James Dockery added 10 for the Redwings, who shot 10 for 20 from three-point range.

“We moved the ball well,” said Bonnett. “We did a good job of finding whoever they weren’t covering.”

Junior Devin Gage led Curie (6-2) with 13 points and sophomore Terry Smith Jr. had 11 points and six rebounds.

“We got beat by a better team,” said Oliver. “We did everything the opposite of what we were trying to do. We don’t have a leader on this team.”

Benet will face St. Charles North in the semifinals on Wednesday.