HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Replay Review 2021

Christian Meeks, Homewood-Flossmoor (MVP)

The top seeds played true to form in the first round, as ever first-day game had margins of 15 points or higher.  Christian Meeks led H-F into the quarter finals with a 29-point, 14 rebound performance.  Oswego East entered the tournament with a perfect 11-0 record and sent Rockford Auburn to the Consolation round in a 56-38 victory.  Other first round winners were Stevenson, Saint Rita, Marian Catholic, Hinsdale Central and DePaul Prep.  Maine South also advanced to the first round due to COVID-19 health protocols.

The games on Day Two were very competitive as three were decided on the final possession of the game and the fourth went into overtime.  Homewood-Flossmoor beat Saint Rita 61-59, as H-F star Christian Meeks compiled his second straight 29-point game.  Oswego east held off Marian Catholic in 54-49 overtime, as Mekhi Lowery scored 19 points for the Wolfpack.  Host Hinsdale Central defeated DePaul Prep 45-44 to advance to the Final Four for the first time in tournament history.  The fourth semifinal spot was clinched by Stevenson who advanced when Maine South was unable to play due to health protocols, as the Hawks learned of their fate  on the bus  on the way to game.  Patriots' coach Pat Ambrose took advantage of the off time by holding a fullcourt practice on the court as spectators watched and took notes.

Oak Forest made their first appearance in the tournament after missing the first two days, as Robbie Avila recorded a near triple-double with 31 points, 16 rebounds and nine blocks in a win against Willowbrook.  Morton and Rockford East both won their third round games and advanced to the Consolation Championship.  Since two of the teams in the Fifth Place Bracket were also on health protocol restrictions, the Fifth Place game was moved to the third day.  Jaydin Reyna put Saint Rita ahead with three seconds left converting on a fullcourt layup.  The Mustangs held off Marian Catholic's last second efforts and recorded a 42-41 victory and took home the fifth place trophy.

Homewood-Flosmoor advanced to the championship game for the third straight tournament with a 55-48 victory over Stevenson in the first semifinal.  Three Vikings scored in double digits.  Oswego East remained perfect with a 59-53 double overtime victory over Hinsdale Central

Rockford Auburn won their first trophy in HCHC play in a 76-47 victory over Morton in the Consolation Championship.  Auburn's Michael Jones recorded his third consecutive double-double in the tournament.  Hinsdale Central defeated Stevenson 63-59 in the third place game to chart their highest finish in tournament history.  Homewood-Flossmoor became the first team to win multiple titles, as they retained their 2019 championship crown with a 62-44 victory in the final game against Oswego East.  H-F's Nashawn Holmes led all scorers with 21 points.

Christian Meeks was named tournament MVP, as he led the tournament in scoring with a 20.3 points per game average.  The remainder of the first team All-Tournament Team included Nashawn Holmes of Homewood-Flossmoor; Mekhi Lowery of Oswego East, Ben Oosterbaan of Hinsdale Central and Evan Porto of Stevenson.  The All-Tournament Team was named after Tournament Manager Joe Spagnolo, who helped initiate the tournament in 2015 and has served in an administrative role ever since.

Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose holds a full court practice
on the HCHC hardwood after his second round game
was canceled due to health protocols