PORT ANGELES — A common thread could be found among those who spoke at Port Angeles senior Kyle Benedict’s letter of intent signing ceremony Wednesday.
Family, friends, coaches and school administrators all expressed sincere pride in Benedict’s accomplishments as the Roughriders guard signed to play men’s basketball for the Lower Columbia College Red Devils in Longview.
There are plenty of reasons to be proud of Benedict.
In his senior season, Benedict put up a team-high 18 points per game, along with four assists, four steals and four rebounds and was voted second-team All-Olympic League for the second straight season by league coaches. Benedict also was the All-Peninsula Boys Basketball MVP as selected by area coaches and the Peninsula Daily News sports staff for his efforts with the Olympic League-champion Riders.
Friendship played a role in Benedict’s college destination.
Benedict has been good friends with Port Angeles senior baseball catcher Joel Wood all through school and the pair plan to live together next school year.
Wood signed to play baseball at Lower Columbia under former Port Angeles standout Eric Lane last November.
“I thought it would be easier to make the transition into college with one of my good buddies,” Benedict said. “LC has a good program and it looked like all of the pieces of the puzzle were a good fit, so I decided to go there.”
Port Angeles basketball coach Kasey Ulin agreed.
“Lower Columbia plays an up-and-down style and they have a criminal justice program that Kyle is interested in,” Ulin said. “It’s a school that will allow him to continue to grow. If he’s committed to continuing to work, playing at the four-year level is not out of the question for him at all.”
Benedict said Lower Columbia’s play appealed to him.
“The up-and-down transition style, I like that, it opens up scoring opportunities for me and I enjoy that type of play,” Benedict said.
Lower Columbia also has the added benefit of a recently-renovated gym and fitness center.
“Their facilities great, they are only four or five years old, it will be a great place to play,” Benedict said.
And Benedict said the criminal justice program appeals to him as he’s planning to pursue a career in law enforcement — he suggested becoming a Fish and Wildlife officer or working in forensic analysis.
Benedict had a number of people to thank for their efforts in getting him to his signing day.
He thanked the Benedict and Lewis families and the Wood family was praised for their support and picking him up for practices.
Former Port Angeles assistant and AAU coach Jordan Justus received some kind words and Ulin’s efforts also were celebrated.
“Coach Ulin, I definitely wouldn’t be here without you, you got me where I needed to be,” Benedict said.
Benedict is the son of Mark and Deanna Benedict.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
