Westhampton's Jorden Bennett Reaches 1,000 Career Points

Jorden Bennett can’t remember a time when he didn’t have a basketball in his hands.

That’s why when he got a pass last Tuesday night during a close 68-66 road loss at Wyandanch and scored a layup, the magnitude of what he’d done meant that much more. With his bucket, the senior center became the sixth Westhampton Beach boys basketball player to reach 1,000 career points.

“I still can’t believe it,” the four-year starter said. “I’m just proud of myself for how hard I’ve worked to earn this milestone. Not a lot of people achieve this.”

Bennett, who previously played for Riverhead, said the move to Westhampton Beach impacted him in ways he didn’t think possible.

“I grew up moving from town to town and I know I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities, met the same people or even accomplished the same things, so I’m just happy to be here,” the senior said. “Being a Hurricane has taught me how to be a leader, the meaning of being dedicated to something and the importance of friendship and having caring people around you. Through the ups and downs, I’ve loved all four years I’ve played for Westhampton.”

Head coach Connor Davis, who has worked with Bennett for three of those years, said working with the student-athlete has been a dream.

“I haven’t come across a lot of 6’6’’ guys that are athletic, quick and can play at all three levels,” he said. “I have been able to try things that I didn’t foresee myself trying, but that’s how it goes with a player like Jorden. He wants to be challenged, and I don’t even think we’ve seen the best of him yet.”

Bennett racked up 14 points on February 4 behind junior guard Truman Hahn’s 25. Hahn said he was elated to see his teammate’s success in the sport.

“He’s worked really hard to hit this milestone, and I’m happy for him,” the junior said. “He means everything to this team. He has been a great leader and star player. Without him, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

He said Bennett remaining calm and composed following his shot in a close game was a demonstration of that governance.

“He was definitely really excited when he hit it, and even leading up to that game, but kept his head in the game,” senior guard Dante Quinones said. “Jorden means a lot to the team. He helps create shot opportunities for everyone because opposing teams have to send doubles to stop him. He also helps out with our interior defense, and is an amazing rim protector. It’s been a pleasure playing with Jorden over the past two years. We’ve learned a lot from each other — whether it’s being vocal defensively or making plays for one another on the offensive end.”

Hahn said he’s also developed his teammate’s will to win and want to improve no matter what happens or is thrown his way.

“He has grown tremendously as a player as well as a leader,” Davis said. “He has accepted all the challenges I’ve thrown at him, including picking up a leadership role. His teammates look to him in big moments, and I know he is ready for them. It’s been an amazing experience being able to coach him and get to know him personally, and I can’t wait to see him at the next level.”

Bennett picked up another 22 points in a 70-60 senior night win over East Hampton in the Hurricanes’ regular-season finale. He currently boasts 400 points this season alone, and looks to add to that when the No. 9-seeded Hurricanes travel to No. 8 Rocky Point Thursday, February 13, in the first round of the Class AA playoffs. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

“I’m devastated that this is my last season — I wish I could at least get back one more year, because I feel like I was a freshman just yesterday — but to reach this moment and know we are going back to the playoffs is amazing,” Bennett said. “I just want to make it to the county championship and win.”