Benet Claims Final ESCC Behind Dominant Third Quarter Surge

Tuesday night marked the end of an era in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, as both Benet and Marist prepare to transition into the Chicago Catholic League next season. Fittingly, it was a championship-level battle between Benet and Marist to close the chapter.   Marist jumped out early, and the first half featured multiple lead changes in a tightly contested affair. But the game shifted dramatically in the opening four minutes of the third quarter. Benet exploded on a 15–1 run fueled by transition threes, rim-rattling dunks, and strong finishes at the basket. The burst stretched the lead to 50–34 and ultimately proved to be the difference.   Marist fought back in the fourth, trimming the deficit to seven, but time ran out as Benet secured the conference title — the program's final ESC crown.  Here's a look at the five standouts from Tuesday night's championship matchup where Benet took home the win 77-68.   With both programs set to enter the Chicago Catholic League next season, Tuesday's matchup served as a fitting and competitive finale to their time in the ESC. Benet's third-quarter explosion ultimately sealed the championship, but several individual performances on both sides made this a memorable closing chapter.    The 7-foot North Dakota State commit controlled the paint on both ends. Stack's interior presence was overwhelming, finishing efficiently with jump hooks, two-handed dunks, and strong finishes through traffic. As the game progressed, Marist threw double and even triple teams his direction.  One of the night's most impressive sequences came when Stack caught the ball deep behind the backboard, took one controlled dribble back into the lane, and finished over multiple defenders. His patience and footwork continue to evolve. While Stack has long been known as a space-eating rebounder and rim protector, his offensive production over the past two months has elevated his ceiling. With added strength and improved touch, he's becoming a consistent go-to option.   Stat line: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block     The Eastern Illinois recruit showcased why he's the steady engine of this Redwings squad. Wright blends control with creativity at the point guard position. A slick ball handler who rarely turns it over, he dictated tempo throughout the night.  Wright seamlessly shifted between scoring and distributing — knocking down deep perimeter shots while also delivering timely assists. His alley-oop connection with Stack to close the first half was one of the highlight moments of the game.  More importantly, Wright's poise never wavered during Benet's decisive third-quarter run. His leadership continues to stand out as postseason play approaches.   Stat line: 17 points, 5 assists     The 6-7 junior made his presence felt on the glass. Stasys' quick second jump repeatedly created second-chance opportunities, especially on the offensive end. His activity level was constant — finishing dunks around the rim and cleaning up misses. Seven of his 12 rebounds came on the offensive glass, a major factor in Benet's ability to maintain momentum during their third-quarter surge.  Stasys continues to emerge as one of the more intriguing prospects in Illinois' 2027 class, showing a blend of size, motor, and interior productivity.   Stat line: 19 points, 12 rebounds (7 offensive)     Facing the state's top-ranked team, Barnes delivered one of the best performances of his career. The left-handed forward was electric offensively, scoring from all three levels. A mid-range assassin by nature, Barnes also showed expanded range from beyond the arc. His highlight moment came in the first quarter when he knocked down a step-back three while absorbing contact — completing the four-point play and igniting the Marist crowd. Even during Benet's run, Barnes continued to attack and convert tough shots. His scoring ability is polished and confident, and this performance will turn heads moving forward.   Stat line: 33 points (career high)     Meyers flashed the upside many have discussed regarding his long-term potential. Early in the game, he attacked Stack off the bounce and finished through contact — a strong sign of his confidence and skill set. He later stretched the defense with perimeter shooting while also contributing on the boards. Meyers competed physically, boxing out larger players and helping limit some of Benet's second chances. Despite the loss, his all-around production was evident and impactful.   Stat line: 17 points, 8 rebounds

Tuesday night marked the end of an era in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, as both Benet and Marist prepare to transition into the Chicago Catholic League next season. Fittingly, it was a championship-level battle between Benet and Marist to close the chapter.