Arundel's boys basketball team will play in its first Anne Arundel County championship game thanks to the play of senior guard Jordan Benson.

Benson, a two-year starter, is Arundel's leading scorer, averaging 19 points a game, and has had a hot hand down the stretch. In a recent three-game stretch, he scored 87 points, including 30 in an 81-50 romp over Southern.

He gives the Wildcats a three-point threat on the perimeter, and his dribble penetration puts added pressure on opposing teams.

Benson, 6 feet 1, has decided to attend a junior college to work on his academics.

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing at an early age, about 7 or 8, and always played with the older kids. I played on experienced teams in the Gambrills-Odenton GORC program.

Did you play JV at Arundel your freshman year?

No. I didn't play until 10th grade because I got cut as a freshman. I played JV in 10th grade and got moved up to varsity late in the year. Last year, I started on varsity and have started since.

Was getting cut as a freshman a shock to you?

Yeah, but I learned from it. It made me who I am now - a better player. I worked really hard over the summer.

What brought on your recent scoring binge?

I picked up my intensity in practice, which helps me in a game. And I'm concentrating more on my jumper, and it's starting to fall, and I've been getting to the rack a lot more lately. Last year, I was pretty much just a shooter. I've always had the jumper.

Do you like the new offense your first-year coach, Jeff Starr, put in this year?

We love it, the run and gun, and had to get into shape for that.

Has this team surprised you going 16-4 after last season's 13-11 record?

I wouldn't really say surprised because we have a couple transfers in Mandel Brown and Julian Watson who have just picked this team up and taken us to a different level than last year. We have way better experienced players than last year and have underclassmen who helped a lot. We've got it all this year, a pretty deep team. What do you need to work on to play in college?

I have a hard time concentrating on my free throws and need to get better at that and my ball-handling and defense.

Is this a close-knit team you are on?

Pretty close. Most of us hang with each other outside of school. We're a real tight group. There's not that much to do around here, so we just try to stay out of trouble.

Do you have any special things you do to get ready for a game or superstitions?

Last year when I would score 20 points, I would try to do everything the same way. I tried to change that up this year because I hate doing that.

Have you followed the presidential race?

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, that's all I know. I like Obama. He's real calm and laid-back. I saw him on TV.