Boys basketball: Scouting Benet vs. Simeon

Class 4A Hinsdale Central supersectional

Benet (26-3) vs. Simeon (22-9)

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Hinsdale Central High School

Outlook: For all the intriguing matchups Benet's endured in the regular season and playoffs, nothing compares to what awaits with Simeon. The Wolverines are more athletic across the board with a young lineup that features Jabari Parker, a member of Illinois' heralded freshman class that includes Whitney Young's Tommie Hamilton and De La Salle's Alex Foster, and Dayton-bound Spearman. Expect plenty of half-court and full-court pressure from Simeon, although that's nothing new for Benet and Dave Sobolewski after facing East Aurora and Glenbard East in the sectional. The Redwings' play-making point guard has thrived under pressure, averaging 29 points in four playoff games. Tywon Pinckney may guard Sobolewski at times, but Brandon Spearman, who did a great job against Mt. Carmel's Tracy Abrams in the Lyons Twp. sectional final, is the Wolverines' defensive stopper in crunchtime. Simeon often struggles shooting the ball, but its ability to crash the boards, especially with Spearman and Rashawn McElrath, more than makes up for it. Defensive rebounding will be critical for Benet. Double-double man Frank Kaminsky has had some monster rebounding games, but he'll need help from the entire lineup. Speaking of help, the Redwings have done a nice job balancing their offensive output. While Sobolewski's the clear leader, Matt Parisi stepped up with 19 points in the sectional final win over Glenbard East. Kaminsky was quiet offensively in the sectional, but the constant attention on him in the post allowed other players more offensive freedom. Dylan Flood, in particular, was invaluable with his midrange jumper. This is a tough defensive matchup for the Redwings, who held potent Glenbard East to its fewest points all season. Parisi is Benet's top defensive player, but the Wolverines are pretty balanced. Parker, who can play inside or out, and Spearman have been up and down this season. Both are tough to contain when they're on. Class AA state title winners in 2006 and 2007, and Class 3A runner-up in 2008, Simeon's definitely big-game tested. Benet seeks its first top-four state finish since placing third in Class AA in 1979.

Advancement: The winner advances to the IHSA state semifinals at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Peoria to play the winner of tonight's Illinois State University supersectional between Joliet (24-7) and O'Fallon (29-2).