HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – Rico D’Alessandro poured in 27 points, including 17 in the second half to help Maine South rally past Oswego East for a 52-47 victory in the opening game of the 2024 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

Oswego East (6-5) jumped out to a 17-9 lead after one quarter and carried a 32-23 lead into the locker room at halftime. Maine South (5-6) surged back in the second half. The Hawks outscored the Wolves 14-8 in the third quarter to pull to within three points entering the fourth quarter. Trailing 41-39 with six minutes remaining, Maine South used a 7-2 run over the next 4:30 to open up a 48-43 lead before pulling away for the five-point victory.

D'Alessando pumped in a game-high 27 points while shooting 11-of-21 from the floor for Maine South. Tyler Sierra and Jack Sladky added eight points apiece for the Hawks. Sladky pulled down a team-leading 10 rebounds in the victory. Maine South shot 34 percent (18-of-53) from the floor, including 21.1 percent (4-of-19) from downtown.

Mason Lockett led Oswego East in the loss, totaling 15 points and seven rebounds. Myles Buchanan added eight points while Andrew Pohlman came off the bench to total six points and 11 rebounds. Oswego East shot 31.9 percent (15-of-47) from the field, including 36.4 percent (4-of-19) from beyond the arc.

With the victory, Maine South will face the winner of the Brother Rice/St. Charles East contest in tomorrow’s quarterfinal at 3:45 p.m. Oswego East will face the loser of the Brother Rice/St. Charles East game tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.