2006 Lexus ES 330 $359/month2006 Lexus RX330 $399/month By Pat McKeeAs someone who has followed Indiana high school basketball for as long as he can remember, Chris Benedict is fully aware of the prestige that comes with being a part of The Indianapolis Star Indiana All-Stars.

Benedict, the boys basketball coach at Columbia City High School, will get a firsthand look at the program. He has been named coach of the 2006 Indiana boys team for its annual home-and-home series against Kentucky, Indiana game director Patrick Aikman announced Saturday.Steve Bennett of New Castle and Steve Brett of Loogootee will serve as assistants for the games that will be played June 17 at Bowling Green, Ky., and June 24 at Conseco Fieldhouse."You never expect something like this to happen," said Benedict, 38, who has compiled a 157-73 record in 10 seasons with the Eagles, including a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2004. "You just work and when the opportunity comes, you jump at it. It's such a tremendous honor."A 1985 graduate of Wapahani, Benedict said growing up in the Muncie area, following the playing careers of its All-Stars, caused him to respect the tradition of the games. Then to be asked to coach this year, with a team that appears destined to feature some of the best players nationally, is even more special."That's something you dream about, to have the talent to do things you want to do on both ends of the floor," said Benedict, who also coached four years at his alma mater and has a career mark of 210-105. "But with these guys, they're all great teammates who are willing to give to the team first."Bennett and Brett also bring significant experience to their assignments.Bennett, 52, has a 151-55 record in nine seasons at New Castle. He previously went 141-50 in seven seasons at Martinsville, Ill., then was an assistant for 12 years at the University of Evansville for teams that posted a 217-112 record.Brett, 56, is a 1967 Loogootee graduate who returned to his alma mater to succeed Jack Butcher, the state's all-time winningest coach. Brett has a 75-25 mark in four seasons with the Lions, including a Class A state runner-up finish last season. His overall record, including 16 years at Bloomfield and eight at Seymour, is 377-263.Benedict said he is looking forward to working with both men."I worked with the Junior (All-Stars) a couple of years ago, so I got a feel for this kind of situation," Benedict said. "Every kid represents their community, but when you put 'Indiana' on the jersey, you're representing the state. It puts chills down your spine."

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