HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. - The Lane Tech Champions defeated tournament host, Hinsdale Central, 56-50, in the second round of the 2025 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic on Saturday afternoon.

Lane Tech (5-6) broke the sixth and final tie of the contest with a three-pointer from Krishna Dacha on the first possession of the fourth quarter to take a 48-45 lead. A three from Hinsdale Central's (4-7) Justin Kurkowski cut the deficit to two (52-50) with under 40 seconds remaining, but a pair of free throws and a layup by the Champions sealed the victory for Lane Tech.

Cole Bero led the way for the Red Devils with 20 points and five steals. Kristopher Dowell contributed 11 points and a team-high five boards in the loss as well. Hinsdale Central shot 36.7 percent (18-of-49) from the floor and 16.7 percent (2-of-12) from downtown.

Matt Szafoni paced the Champions on both sides of the ball, finishing with a double-double that featured 17 points and 11 boards. John Lamperis and Cole Christian rounded out the double-digit scorers for Lane Tech with 12 and 11 points respectively. As a team, the Champions shot 45.2 percent (19-of-42) from the field and 27.3 percent (6-of-22) from three.

Lane Tech will face the winner of the St. Charles East/Waubonsie Valley game on Monday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m., while Hinsdale Central will take on the loser of the same game at 11 a.m.