HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – Stevenson found its shooting stroke early from three-point land and kept Plainfield East at bay down the stretch in a 69-62 win in Thursday's consolation game at the 2023 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

The Patriots (7-5 record) were most effective in the first half from long distance - the visitors made 7 of 17 on triples. Aidan Bardic and Jack Dabbs knocked down a pair of treys each, with Dabbs tallying 10 points by the break.

Plainfield East (5-9 record) saw its final lead of the game occur at 17-16 early in the second quarter. The Patriots promptly reeled off a 15-3 run to take control of the contest and go up 31-20. However, the Bengals kept things interesting by closing the quarter on an 8-0 streak of their own. Alijah Little was the catalyst with eight of his team's final 11 points, including an and-one layup. Little had 14 points by halftime to pace all scorers.

Stevenson begn to pull away in the third quarter with an 11-4 run midway through the period. The margin stayed in double digits for most of the next 10 minutes. Plainfield East cut the deficit down to five points on several occasions late. But it was not enough as the Patriots prevailed by making more than half their field goals in the second half.

Stevenson ended up hitting 10 of 25 from three-point range (40 percent) and 48 percent overall from the field. The Patriots won the rebounding battle 30-27. Atticus Richmond and Bardic scored 19 points each, with Richmond grabbing eight rebounds. Dabbs tallied 14 points and seven rebounds. Bardic dished out seven assists.

Plainfield East shot 45 percent from the field but only 4 of 19 on treys (21 percent). Little ended up with a game-high 20 points. Kevin Tchoffa posted 16 points. Ehi Ogbomo put up 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Stevenson will face Morgan Park in tomorrow’s consolation game at 12:30 p.m. Plainfield East will take on St. Charles East in a consolation game tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.