Boys Basketball: Hinsdale Central registers big win over rival LT
By Ken Ryan Contributor February 17, 2012 11:40PM
The Lions Chris Antalek defends the Red Devils Matt Raferty's move to the hoop during the varsity boys basketball game between host Lyons Township and Hinsdale Central Friday February 17, 2012. | Scott Hardesty~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 22, 2012 12:10PM
Hinsdale Central sophomore Chase Hamilton had extra motivation to play well in Friday’s West Suburban Conference Silver game against host Lyons Township.
His father Brian is the freshman B coach at the La Grange school and bragging rights were on the line.
“There was a lot of talk this whole week at home,” Hamilton said after Hinsdale Central knocked off the Lions 58-47. “I’m just glad we got the win and now I can talk trash to him. I didn’t see him, but he was in the stands and sent me a text after the game telling me that I had a great game.”
Hinsdale Central (16-8), which has won six out of its last seven games, finished the conference season with an 8-4 record, which tied York for second.
Quite an achievement for a team that won just five games last season.
“That’s a great accomplishment for this team,” senior Tom Garvin said. “It’s been a while since we’ve had eight wins in this conference. This is one of the hardest gyms to win in and it’s such a tough conference.”
Garvin led the Red Devils with 15 points and four rebounds.
He connected on an impressive 13 of 14 free throws, including 9 of 10 in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.
“It hasn’t been a strength for me, but I’ve been getting better throughout the season,” Garvin said. “I just go to the line with a lot of focus and you have to knock them down, no excuses.”
Hinsdale Central used torrid long-range shooting to jump ahead 19-14 after one quarter. The Red Devils connected on 5 of 8 three-point attempts, including three by Brad Anlauf (10 points).
Despite making just 2 of 9 shots in the second quarter, Hinsdale Central was able to increase their lead to 26-17 at halftime and the Lions (10-14, 6-6 in Silver) never got closer than four points in the second half.
Hinsdale Central also got strong contributions from Brian Owens (10 points, four assists, two rebounds) and Hamilton (10 points, block, steal).
“I want to dedicate my success to the seniors because they’ve really helped me transition to varsity,” Hamilton said. “I missed part of the season but they really helped me get up to speed.”
Hamilton broke his collarbone during football season and missed about the first 10 games of this season while recovering from the injury.
“Chase is getting better,” Hinsdale Central coach Nick Latorre said. “He’s still just getting his basketball legs back now. He hit a couple big shots and did a good job handling the ball. He fits right into what we want to do defensively and he’s very poised. We anticipated him coming in and contributing off the bench for us this season.”
LT was led by Ken Smith (15 points), Chris O’Reilly (12 points) and Matt Robare (nine points, seven rebounds).
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