HINSDALE CENTRAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

HC SQUARED:  It's The Best Game In Town

Game Recap

HINSDALE, Ill. – Hinsdale Central's efficient offense in the second half gave the hosts a 73-59 victory against St. Charles East in the consolation draw of the 2025 Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic.

After an initial 9-9 tie most of the way through the first quarter, the Red Devils went on a 7-2 run to close the period. The hosts definitively took control of the game in the second quarter with good ball movement and drawing fouls inside the arc. Hinsdale Central drew 13 fouls and made nine free throws in the first half. The Saints (1-11 record) were sloppy with the ball to the tune of 16 first-half turnovers.

By halftime, the Red Devils (5-7 record) pushed their advantage to double digits at 32-21. Nine different players scored, led by RJ Lewis' seven points. For St. Charles East, Gavin Belli and Michael Hill posted seven points each.

After the break, Hinsdale Central stayed hot offensively by shooting 61 percent in the third quarter and 58 percent in the fourth quarter. While St. Charles East attempted to keep pace, the Saints were not able to get within eight points the rest of the game. The Red Devils led by as many as 18 down the stretch.

The box score saw the home side shoot 51 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range (5-11). Kristopher Dowell led the way with 19 points and Justin Kurkowski contributed 14 points in 15 minutes played. Lewis totaled 13 points and Cole Bero swiped five steals. The Red Devils held sway down low with a 40-26 advantage in points in the paint.

For St. Charles East, Belli put up 16 points and seven rebounds. Hill compiled 14 points. The Saints committed 21 total turnovers while shooting 39 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep (7-19).

Hinsdale Central will play Plainfield East on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m., while St. Charles East and Schaumburg will face off at 9:30 a.m.