Red Devils win one for Gross

Former Hinsdale Central and Iowa star Morgan Kasperek, who replaced longtime coach Steve Gross following his sudden resignation Wednesday, admitted she was a little nervous prior to Thursdays’ game against visiting Benet.

‘‘We were all a little nervous to start the game,’’ Kasperek said. ‘‘We just wanted to do what we can and do what we know to do.’’

What No. 10 Hinsdale Central knows what to do is win.

Madison Whitley had nine points and Toni Kokenis and Katie Delaney each added eight as the Red Devils defeated Benet 43-25 in nonconference play.

Hinsdale Central (6-0) jumped out to a 15-2 lead before Benet (3-4) closed to within 25-20 with 2:20 remaining in the third quarter on a short jumper by Nicki Bell (10 points).

But Lauren Franke sandwiched a three-pointer and a basket around a steal and bucket by Kokenis as the Red Devils closed the third quarter on a 7-0 run.

‘‘I thought we did a great job defensively, we just didn’t put the ball in the basket,’’ Benet coach Peter Paul said.

Kokenis added four rebounds and four assists for Hinsdale Central.

‘‘This game was for coach Gross,’’ Kokenis said. ‘‘We support coach Gross and his decision and he supports us.’’