Olivet Nazarene University

Posted: Friday, April 3, 2009

Ralph Hodge and the Tiger Men’s Basketball program signed its second member of the ’09 recruiting class on Friday, April 3; Ben Worner, a 6’3� guard from Washington, Ill. Worner played for the Panthers all four years and he now joins two former panthers here at ONU, juniors Tyler Wallenfang and Kris Irish.

He had a great career under Head Coach Kevin Brown, highlighted by their 4th place finish in the 2008 IHSA 3A State Basketball Finals and his Illinois IBCA All-State Special Mention selection as a senior. He averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game as a senior and was named to a number of accolades. During and following his senior campaign, Ben was named First Team All Mid-Illini Conference, First Team All-Area, Pekin Times All-Star, Pekin Holiday Tournament All-Tournament team (team finished 2nd), and Tournament of Champions All-Tournament (team finished 2nd).

Ben also pitches for the Panther baseball team and was a sophomore on the 2007 IHSA 3A State Finals 3rd place team, he was a Second Team All Mid-Illini selection in 2008 and is currently pitching for the Panthers.

Worner will be asked to play the off-guard position. Ben has the ability to shoot the ball with efficiency and play fundamentally with and without the ball. However, his most valuable ability is intangible; being that his intelligence of the game is advanced and suited for Tiger Basketball.

Nick Birkey
Men’s SID