Boys Basketball: Tyler Ulis out for Marian Catholic, topped by Benet

Updated: February 20, 2012 9:15PM

There isn’t any question that sophomore Tyler Ulis has been the most important player for Marian Catholic this season. The 5-8 point guard has been one of the season’s breakout stars. Ulis sprained his left ankle on Friday against Notre Dame and didn’t play Monday against Benet.

The Redwings took full advantage of Marian Catholic’s misfortune, riding a nice performance from senior Pat McInerney to a 59-35 East Suburban Catholic win.

“Obviously, Tyler Ulis is one of the best players in the state regardless of class,” McInerney said. “We didn’t know he wasn’t going to play so we just approached it the same way.”

McInerney finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, including eight points in the fourth quarter where Benet outscored Marian Catholic 23-9. McInerney was injured himself early in the season, missing 13 games.

“I think things are really starting to gel for us now and we’re becoming more of a team,” McInerney said. “It’s just in time for the state tournament.”

Marian struggled greatly without Ulis running the show, managing only one field goal during a nearly 13 minute stretch in the second and third quarters.

“I think they had a good game plan to try and spread us out,” Benet coach Gene Heidkamp said. “It worked in the first half.”

Sean O’Mara, a 6-8 sophomore, scored 12 for Benet (19-6, 4-3).

“He’s made leaps and bounds since the start of the season,” McInerney said. “He’s seeing the floor better now and really finishing everything he gets around the rim.”

William Hilger led Marian Catholic (14-11, 3-4) with nine points and Erik Crittendon Joshua Cohn each scored nine.

Ulis said he doesn’t expect to play on Thursday at St. Patrick but is hoping to back in time for the start of the state playoffs next week.

“There are a lot of really good young players in the conference, not just O’Mara and Ulis,” Heidkamp. “I think this is as deep and as young as the conference has been in a long time.”

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