Blocker, Benjamin power JJC women
JOLIET -- Katie Blocker had a record-setting performance. And Martha Benjamin produced her best game.
That resulted in the Joliet Junior College women's basketball team posting an important N4C victory, an 85-76 win over Triton on Tuesday.
Blocker, a 5-foot-7 freshman guard from Lincoln-Way Central High School, made 5 3-pointers to become JJC's single-season leader in treys. Finishing with 21 points, Blocker broke Kelly Pero's mark.
Benjamin had college career-highs of 34 points and 22 rebounds.
The Wolves (19-9, 7-2), who have won consecutive outright conference championships, received 10 points and 8 assists from Joliet Township's Telyshia Adams.
"Benjamin came out and dominated," JJC coach Tony Giese said, referring to the 6-2 freshman from Aurora Central Catholic who shot 16-of-25. "She made her presence felt on the blocks.
"Katie's shooting kept the defense honest. She has had a good season of shooting the ball."
JJC can clinch at least a share of the N4C crown at 1 p.m. on Saturday with a win at Rock Valley. The Wolves, Rock Valley and DuPage are tied for the conference lead.
The Saints (14-14, 2-6) led from the outset until the 8:23 mark of the second half. USF's biggest lead was 12 points at 26-14 midway through the first half.
USF was led in scoring by sophomore point guard Katie Carls who finished with 17 points. Junior Amanda Mistretta added 14 but only played 16 minutes due to foul trouble and left the game for good with 12 minutes left in the second half after suffering a cut over her right eye that required stitches.
Robert Morris (17-10, 5-2) was led in scoring by Jessica Harris who had 18 points.
Nic Romanchik added 11 points and 6 rebounds. Jimmy Brashares and Zach Galbreath each scored 10 points.
"I thought we dominated on the boards and got after on the defensive end early," Peotone coach Scott Maupin said.
The Blue Devils face Chicago Christian at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the regional final.
Seneca 55, El Paso 37 -- At El Paso, Seth Evans dropped in 19 points to lift the Irish (25-4) in a semifinal game at the 2A El Paso Regional. Andy Supergan and Ben Paulsen scored 12 points each. Paulsen also chipped in 6 steals. Seneca moves on to face Fieldcrest at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the regional final.
Lemont 48, Oak Forest 43 -- At Evergreen Park, Jouzas Prankevicicus scored 16 points as the Indians prevailed in the Southwest Suburban tourney game. Stu Zilys added 11.
