Friends of Basketball

Hendry Bennett

Year Inducted: 2019

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: (London Mills) Spoon River Valley High School
Stronghurst High School

Biography: Hendry, known as “Hank”, was boys varsity basketball coach at (London Mills) Spoon River Valley High School from 1952-74.  He also was the head coach at Stronghurst High School from 1949-51.  After taking a medical leave of absence in the fall of 1974, he died of colon cancer at the age of 49.  His sad passing came in December of 1974, just 2 weeks after the new gym was named in his honor.  Hank won 294 games, 7 conference championships, and numerous tournament titles at Valley.  He also won 43 games at Stronghurst from 1949-52.  Hank was admired by his players, opposing coaches, and his community.