Glenbard West measures up against Hinsdale South
A considerable size disadvantage didn't faze Glenbard West during its trip to Hinsdale South on Wednesday night.
The Hilltoppers, behind a methodical half-court offense, timely 3-point shooting and strong defense against the Hornets' tallest player, led for 29 of the 32 minutes en route to a 67-48 victory in a West Suburban Conference crossover boys basketball game.
Hinsdale South 6-foot-9 sophomore Barret Benson was held to a quiet 16 points and Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder was quick to credit his team's defensive effort on the Hornets' center.
“The biggest thing we needed to do was make things difficult for Benson,” Hoder said. “We don't have anyone that can individually match up, so I thought our guys did a good job of challenging him in the post. Also, the guys who did go 1-on-1 with him, Kalen (Starkey) and Aidan (Gould), were physical without fouling him, which is not easy.”
Glenbard West (2-3) jumped out to a 15-8 first quarter lead thanks to some early 3-point baskets by Justin Pierce, Will Reedy and Brian Cochrane.
Reedy also managed to extend a 6-point lead to 12 in the final minute of the first half thanks to two straight baseline 3-pointers near the Hinsdale South bench.
“Will Reedy had three 3s in the first half, which really set the tone and gave us a cushion,” Hoder said. “He's playing great right now and shooting with a ton of confidence.”
Pierce opened the third quarter by taking a backdoor cut to the basket where Starkey found him open underneath for a 32-18 lead.
Pierce, who led the Hilltoppers with a game-high 18 points, extended his team's lead to 37-21 with a baseline 3 of his own.
Hinsdale South (3-2) was held to just three made field goals in the third quarter.
“Corey (Davis) does a great job of getting all of the shooters good looks,” Pierce said. “Our big guys also did a great job. We were undersized, but we have the heart and we knocked down our shots tonight.”
Leading 56-44 with 2:46 left, Glenbard West used a 9-0 run to put the game away. Pierce started the run when he drew a foul on a rebound basket inside and subsequent free throw.
A steal at midcourt and layup by Starkey put the Hilltoppers up 65-44 with 1:59 left, which led to a Hinsdale South timeout and reserves on both teams playing out the final two minutes.
“We've just got to keep getting better every day,” Hoder said. “We're a young team, but I'm pleased with our effort tonight.”