Benson ditches Mohawk, scores 44 in tourney win
Morgan Hill – Scott Benson was disappointed with his performance during Anzar’s 49-47 loss to Sobrato in the first round of the Bulldog Chase on Wednesday.
So the senior forward, who had sported a Mohawk throughout the season, decided to go with a new look and had friend and teammate Erik Olson shave it off for him.
The new look treated him well Thursday as Benson, who had his second-lowest scoring output of the season with 16 points Wednesday, exploded for 44 points as the Hawks (8-3) beat Damonte Ranch-Nevada 66-57 in the second round of the tournament.
“I played horrible (Wednesday),” Benson explained as his reasoning for ditching the Mohawk. “I decided to cut the hair and to start clean. I hate losing.”
Benson’s performance – his third time this season he’s scored 40-plus points – helped Anzar reach the consolation championship game at 4:30pm today against Andrew Hill, which advanced with a 65-33 win over Pajaro Valley.
The Hawks found themselves in an early 5-0 hole before a 20-4 run gave them an 11-point advantage. They led 20-12 after the first quarter and lengthened that lead to 34-20 by halftime.
In the third quarter, the Mustangs made their charge as Anzar found itself in foul trouble with Olson picking up his fourth foul. They pulled to within a point at one stretch and outscored the Hawks 26-16 in the period to make it 50-46 entering the fourth quarter.
“(Olson’s) our best defensive player,” Benson said. “With him out, it was easy for them to get inside and score.”
But Anzar regained control of the game in the final period. Benson had 11 points, including going 7-of-10 from the free-throw line, as the Hawks pulled away again.
“That shows how we can bounce back,” Benson said. “Usually when there’s a swing that drastic, you lose.”
Anzar coach Ed Cecena was happy to see his team make those strides and show signs that it can be a tough team to play.
“That shows mental toughness that the guys are developing,” Cecena said of the team’s performance in the fourth quarter. “They’re not letting poor performances affect them.”
Stephen Mockabee scored eight points for the Hawks, Olson had five points and Ryan Waller and Hector Zavala each chipped in with four.
