HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – Plainfield East came alive in the third quarter thanks to Alijah Little's offense as the Bengals rallied past St. Charles East 67-57 in the consolation bracket at day three of the 2023 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic on Friday morning.

The Saints (3-12 record) started the game with the hot hand offensively, hitting 6 of 9 field goals in the first quarter with a trio of three-pointers. The Bengals (6-9 record) by contrast were rushing contested shots and not finding a rhythm. St. Charles rode that early momentum and good ball movement into the second quarter, taking their biggest lead of the half at 27-15. But from that point on, Plainfield East started clawing its way back into the contest by utilizing a full-court press to force mistakes by the ball handlers and passers.

The Bengals scored 15 points off turnovers total and by halftime, the gap was closed to 30-26. Plainfield East was more effective with quick entry passes for cutters in the lane despite their height disadvantage. St. Charles East was paced by 11 points from Marco Klebosits.

Little caught fire for the Bengals in the third quarter - his 11 points in the period allowed his squad to take a 43-37 lead with 3:21 left. Little hit big catch-and-shoot field goals from the perimeter and finished with a game-high 20 points by the end. He ended up hitting 7 of 11 field goals, including 4 of 5 from three-point range.

A 13-3 run gave Plainfield East a 48-37 advantage late in the third quarter. The Bengals continued to hold sway in the fourth and prevented any real St. Charles East comeback. The Saints never got closer than five points down the stretch.

While shooting 47.8 percent from the field overall, the Bengals shot a blistering 7 of 11 from beyond the arc (63.6 percent). Little's 20 points led the way while Ehi Ogbomo finished with 17 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals.

St. Charles East was limited to 39 percent shooting from the field and three-point range. Klebosits concluded with 15 points and six rebounds. Bradley Monkemeyer tallied nine points and four assists.

Plainfield East will play against the winner of Schaumburg/Morton in tomorrow’s consolation contest at 11:00 a.m. St. Charles East will face the loser of Schaumburg/Morton in a consolation game tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.