HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – Rocco Pagliocca erupted for 25 points to pace Stevenson to a 65-35 rout of Morgan Park in Friday's consolation bracket action at the 2023 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

The Patriots (8-5 record) blitzed their opponents over the opening six minutes, flying ahead 18-2. Rocco Pagliocca had the golden touch in the first quarter, scoring 12 points himself. Then a pair of threes by the Mustangs (6-7 record) countered the salvo to make it 18-8.

The highlight of the second quarter came at 24-8 when Stevenson's Aidan Bardic got on the fast break and laid the ball off the glass for his trailing teammate Atticus Richmond, who threw down a rim-shaking slam dunk. By halftime, the score stood at 33-18 in favor of the Patriots, who shot 5-for-10 on three-pointers. Pagliocca put up 15 points, including 3-for-4 on threes. Morgan Park shot only 27 percent from the field overall.

Stevenson maintained its double-digit lead throughout the rest of the game. The fourth quarter was particularly lopsided with the Patriots outscoring the Mustangs 21-5.

The final box score saw the Patriots shoot 42 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range (9 of 21). They also dished out 17 assists compared to only four turnovers. Pagliocca went 5-for-7 from deep en route to 25 points. Atticus Richmond collected 11 rebounds and Jack Dabbs snatched eight boards.

The Mustangs were limited to only 23 percent shooting overall and 17 percent on threes (3 of 18). Morgan Park turned the ball over 16 times. Josh Kelly posted 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Stevenson will await the winner of Lane Tech/Lincoln-Way Central in tomorrow’s consolation match-up at 3:45 p.m. Morgan Park will face the loser of Lane Tech/Lincoln-Way Central in a consolation game tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.