HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  Building a New Tradition of Basketball at Its Best
 

2021 GAME ONE RECAP: STEVENSON vs. MORTON

Box Score

HINSDALE, Ill. – Hot shooting by Stevenson in the middle of the game led the Patriots to a dominating 70-46 win over Morton in the opening contest of the 2021 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

Morton took an 11-10 lead after one quarter, thanks to six points by Dakari Durham. Stevenson only made 25 percent from the field in the opening eight minutes. But those shooting struggles were shortlived. The Patriots shot 60 percent from the field in the second quarter, and splashed 5 of 9 three-point attempts. At the halftime break, the Patriots were ahead 26-19.           

The third quarter was all Stevenson offensively. The Patriots put up 23 points on 62.5 percent shooting from the field. Their ball movement found open shooters whenever Morton overloaded to one side. At the end of period, Stevenson's Jaden Evans hit a running jumper just inside half court at the buzzer to make it 49-33.

Stevenson proceeded to own the paint in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of its 21 points in the lane. The Patriots cruised from there to earn the 24-point victory. 

Stevenson concluded the game by shooting 48.3 percent from the field and a scorching 11 of 24 from three-point range (45.8 percent). The Patriots also scored 19 points off 13 Morton turnovers.

Morton was limited to 36.5 percent shooting on field goals, including 4 of 22 on threes (18.2 percent). The Mustangs narrowly led the rebounding category 35-33, which included 18 offensive boards. The Mustangs also struggled at the free throw line, going 4-for-11 (36.4 percent).    

 Stevenson was led by Evan Porto with 16 points and six assists. David Sulnius had the hot hand from outside with 14 points, going 4-for-8 on three-pointers. Christian Uremovich tallied 13 points and eight rebounds in the post.  

Morton's Victor Garrett paced the squad with 13 points. Durham added eight points and six rebounds. 

Stevenson (8-2 record) will face Maine South in Thursday’s quarterfinal at 3:45 p.m. Morton (3-4 record) will resume action in the consolation bracket on Tuesday, December 28 at 12:30 p.m.