South West Illinois News

The Benton Consolidated High School boys' basketball team is enjoying an "up" year, according to Head Coach Ron Winemiller.

"I think it's going pretty well," he recently told Southwest Illinois News. "But it's always tough when we get into our conference."

The eight-year head coach has a veteran team, complete with three returning starters from last year's squad -- all their guards. According to Winemiller, this is the source of the team's strength.

"We return three starters from last year: our three guards," he said. "They've all started since their sophomore year. Those guys have played a lot of basketball. So, as long as those guys can continue to play consistently, we've got a pretty good chance to have a good year."

Winemiller has adjusted his coaching philosophy to fit the strength of these guards. While he usually likes to play inside-out, the lack of a traditional big man to score in the post has forced him to institute a more fast-paced, run-and-gun attack that emphasizes speed and playmaking ability.

"We've adjusted based upon this group and not having a true post guy," he said. "I mean, our post guy is a quasi-four. He can step out and shoot the three, and he can put it on the floor a little bit, so it's probably been more of a philosophy change based on this group."

In addition to focusing on a faster-than-usual philosophy, Winemiller has his team preparing for some of the challenges they face with such a guard-heavy approach.  

"One of the things ... we're not very big," he said. "Rebounding is always a concern when you're a little smaller team. So, that's one of the things we've really tried to focus on. And our pace of play -- trying to play fast and try to negate the lack of size that we have. We're putting a lot of faith in those guys, so hopefully it pays off."   

Players to keep an eye on for Benton Consolidated include Derek Oxford, who has started for the team since he was a freshman.  

"If he stays healthy, he'll end the season in the top five or six in scoring in school history," Winemiller said. "So he's a guy that we'll definitely rely upon a lot."

Another key player to watch is Timmy Henson, the tallest starter for Benson Consolidated.

"He provides us with some versatility," Winemiller said. "So he's probably the most versatile guy that we have on the team."

These players have big goals this year, as they focus on trying to win the River to River Conference. Four out of the six teams on their side of the conference have been to a state tournament in the last 10 years -- a trend the players and coach hope to continue with them.

"One of the main things that these guys have talked about a lot themselves is their ability to win the conference," Winemiller said. "That will not be easy, but I think that's the goal that they set for themselves, and I think it's a realistic one. But at the same time, we're going to have to win as many games as we can on the road and hold serve at home. We're just like most public schools: we have our ups and downs and, right now, we're on an up."