HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – After a closely-contested opening period, St. Rita broke away in the second quarter to defeat Morton 59-46 on the final day of the 2024 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

Both teams worked the ball around the perimeter for three-pointers in the first half - 61 percent of their combined field goal attempts came from beyond the arc. The second quarter went definitively in St. Rita's favor as the Mustangs outscored Morton 15-2 in the period. St. Rita went into halftime with a 31-16 lead. Donovan Johnson provided the offensive lionshare for Morton with four treys and 12 points in the half.

The second half played out evenly as St. Rita did not let Morton back in the game despite a flurry of three-pointers in the fourth quarter. The lead never dipped below double digits despite Morton's swarming defensive efforts.

St. Rita (3-11 record) shot 41 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range (10-32). The Mustangs also won the rebounding battle 39-30. Eze Nwagwu was the game's top scorer as the point guard hit 5 of 10 threes for a total of 24 points. Blake Lisula posted nine points and six rebounds, while Ryan Loehr pulled down 11 rebounds.

Morton (1-13 record) compiled a 36 percent field goal percentage, including 36 percent from three (9-25) and 36 percent from the free throw line (5-14). Johnson collected a team-best 17 points and seven rebounds. Devyn Medina put up 12 points.