Junior guard Bennek Braden is relied upon heavily on defense by Burlington Central. Some games, Braden is assigned by coach Brett Porto to blanket the opposing team’s best player. Some games, he’s trying to force turnovers for the Rockets. Either way, he loves his role. “I just like to be aggr essive on the defensive end, look for steals, make something happen,” Braden said. “I actually like it. It gives me more confidence that coach trusts me.” Braden’s defensive prowess made a big difference Wednesday night. He came through with five steals — none bigger than a steal and layup at the third-quarter buzzer — as Burlington Central battled to a rugged 64-58 Fox Valley Conference win at Hampshire. Patrick Magan led the Rockets (11-7, 7-2) with 19 points. Braden followed with 13, while Declan Wilson added 11 and Cash Cumpata chipped in with nine. Burlington Central's Bennek Braden (24) puts up a shot over Hampshire's Sean Roth (23) during a Fox Valley Conference game at Hampshire on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News) Trey Simmons scored a game-high 22 points for Hampshire (5-15, 1-8). Cole Harkin had 10. Porto changes Braden’s defensive focus based on that game’s matchup. Either way it goes, however, Porto is pleased with what Braden has brought to an expanded role this season. “He does a good job for us,” Porto said of Braden. “Some games, we have to put him on the other team’s best players. Some games, we have him hunt steals. “He’s doing a good job within games of — whether we give him the challenge of the other team’s top guy or going rogue on things — making game-changing defensive plays for us.” Burlington Central's Patrick Magan, left, battles for control of the ball with Hampshire's Jaiden Baldwin during a Fox Valley Conference game at Hampshire on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News) Porto confirmed that, no matter the assignment, Braden has passed the test. “He’s challenging shots at the rim, jumping passing lanes,” Porto said. “He’s done a really nice job, doesn’t matter if it’s a point guard or a big. He’s done a nice job guarding one through five for us.” Braden’s steal to end the third quarter was one of those rogue plays. After leading most of the first half, Hampshire trailed by as many as six points and things appeared to be slipping away. The Whip-Purs hung around, though, before Braden made some big plays to stem the tide. He hit a pair of free throws with 2:06 left in the third quarter to create a 41-39 lead. His turnaround jumper from the lane a minute later made it 43-42. Burlington Central's Ryan Carpenter (4) passes the ball around Hampshire's Cole Harkin (2) during a Fox Valley Conference game at Hampshire on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News) Then, his steal and layup at the end of the quarter was a back-breaker for Hampshire. “I was just looking off ball to make a steal, make something happen,” Braden said. “I think it deflates the other team.” Behind 13 points from Simmons, Hampshire grabbed a 29-27 halftime lead. The Whip-Purs were up by as many as 12 points in the second quarter. Burlington Central scored eight quick points to open the second half, however, and Hampshire coach Mike Featherly started having flashbacks to previous losses. “Some of the games we’ve lost, we’ve lost that competitive edge,” Featherly said. “This was good to see. We talked about not letting them take it to us. We have to respond. “I thought our guys did a good job.” Burlington Central's Bennek Braden (24) takes a shot over Hampshire's Jaiden Baldwin during a Fox Valley Conference game at Hampshire on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News) Last season, Braden was on the varsity, but the natural progression going into his junior year has led to him being a key component this winter for the Rockets. “I just think he’s more confident,” Porto said. “I think he understands things. The athleticism is starting to come to the forefront of the game. “Whether it’s with the ball in his hands or changing the game on defense, I feel like he feels comfortable in how he can dictate a game.” After all the work Braden has put in, he’s happy to see the results. “It’s a lot of fun,” Braden said. “It’s very satisfying.” Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. ...read more read less