Scouting: Benet vs. Glenbard East

Class 4A Neuqua Valley sectional finalNo. 3 Benet (25-3) vs. No. 1 Glenbard East (27-1)When: 7:30 p.m. today.Probable startersBENET GLENBARD EASTPlayer Ht. Yr. Ppg. Pos. Player Ht. Yr. Ppg.Dave Sobolewski 6-1 Jr. 17.0 G Zach Miller 5-9 Jr. 13.7Matt Parisi 6-0 Jr. 9.9 G Jack Merrithey 5-9 Sr. 9.8Dylan Flood 6-3 Sr. 7.6 F Johnny Hill 6-3 Jr. 17.0Mike Runger 6-3 Sr. 3.2 F Lee Skinner 6-7 Sr. 12.8Frank Kaminsky 6-10 Jr. 11.0 C Shawn Havenga 6-6 Sr. 4.0Outlook: Glenbard East seeks its first sectional title since 1964, and Benet aims for its first title since 1983. These teams haven't crossed paths much in recent years. In fact they haven't met since the Redwings eliminated Glenbard East in the 2005 sectional semifinals. The Rams, winners of 21 straight, thrive on the balance of a potent lineup. While Miller and Merrithey attack from the perimeter, Hill's an explosive slasher who also has an effective outside shot. After advancing past East Aurora's Ryan Boatright and Snoop Viser, Benet's backcourt of Sobolewski and Parisi is toughened up for tonight's challenge. Miller and Sobolewski - respective players of the year in the DuPage Valley Conference and East Suburban Catholic Conference - represent two of the area's top distributors and ballhandlers. Sobolewski can take over a game in numerous ways. He scored 41 points in the regional final and dished 9 assists in the sectional semifinal win over East Aurora. Containing Sobolewski and Miller are keys to the game, but perhaps the most interesting matchup lies in the post. Glenbard East has Skinner and Havenga ready to challenge Kaminsky in the post, but how much attention will the Rams pay to the 6-10 junior without sacrificing too much on the perimeter? Benet's defensive focus will become clear based on whomever Parisi's guarding. He did a nice job on Boatright on Wednesday, but he could defend Miller, Merrithey or Hill. Glenbard East averages more than 70 points per game while Benet, winners of 15 straight games, allows only 44. Even though the Redwings play well in transition, they'd prefer to keep this game in the 50s or 60s. If the Rams hit their average, it'll be to their advantage. Advancement: The winner advances to the 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Class 4A Hinsdale Central supersectional to play tonight's winner of the Lyons Twp. sectional final between Mt. Carmel (26-4) and Simeon (21-9).True11292000Pat McInerney, left, and Frank Kaminsky of Benet up for a rebound during the Benet vs. East Aurora at Neuqua Valley game Wednesday.Paul Michna | Staff PhotographerTrue