HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – Amir Danforth set a single-game tournament scoring record by pouring in 42 points to lead Rockford Auburn to a 69-65 win over Wheaton Academy in the opening round of the 2024 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.  

Danforth pumped in 42 points while shooting 13-of-26 from the floor, including 7-of-16 from three-point distance. He added five rebounds, three assists and four steals in the victory.

Rockford Auburn (8-4) jumped out to a 21-17 lead after one quarter but Wheaton Academy’s (8-2) Carlton McClure hit a three-pointer at the buzzer of the second quarter to send the game into the half even at 33-33.

The Knights moved in front 52-51 after three quarters and never trailed for the remainder of the contest. Rockford Auburn built a six-point cushion with 5:30 remaining. Wheaton Academy pulled to within one point with two minutes left, but four straight points from Danforth helped Rockford Auburn seal the win.

Rockford Auburn shot 41.2 percent (21-of-51) from the floor, including 33.3 percent (9-of-27) from downtown. Wheaton Academy shot 55.8 percent (24-of-43) from the field, including 35.0 percent (7-of-20) from three-point range. Rockford Auburn hit 18-of-26 free throw attempts to pull away.

Donovan Hicks, Tazheer Henderson and Kaidan Dozie each scored six points apiece.

Hayden Schroeder led Wheaton Academy with 18 points while Tyler Smith finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. Sam Thomas and Jackson Snider finished with 10 points apiece for the Warriors.

With the victory, Rockford Auburn will take on Lane Tech in tomorrow’s quarterfinal contest at 5:15 p.m. Wheaton Academy will face Saint Rita in tomorrow’s consolation game at 11:00 a.m.