St. Charles East bounces back at Hinsdale Central Classic
AJ Risberg is beginning to see his efforts in practice pay off.
Risberg, St. Charles East's senior guard, has slowly begun to grab a bigger role on the court in the last few weeks.
"I'm starting to get [more confidence] in practice," Risberg said following St. Charles East's 64-43 win over Lincoln-Way Central in Monday's first round of the Hinsdale Central Classic. "Which, is kind of starting to get into the games more."
"[I'm] playing well with the team," Risberg continued. "Just kind of trying to be that glue and keeping everyone together. It's starting to pay off."
One particular sequence helped demonstrate his impact.
With 2:13 left in the third quarter and the Saints holding a 40-34 lead, St. Charles East guard Scott Breidigan missed a three-pointer. Thomas Ditsworth tiptoed along the baseline for a save right to Risberg, who layed it in and converted the three-point play.
Risberg scored all five of his points in the third quarter and finished with three rebounds in 12 minutes of game action.
"AJ, honestly, [is] the perfect team guy," said Ditsworth, who himself had eight points, six rebounds and five assists. "He always does whatever the coaches ask him, whether it's picking up full court or diving for loose balls. He's the ultimate effort guy, ultimate hustle guy."
St. Charles East will play Homewood-Flossmoor at 3:45 p.m. Thursday. H-F defeated Maine South 51-34 to open the tournament.
The Saints look forward to more games like this from Risberg.
"I told AJ that at the end of summer, I had him in our top six, and we're trying to get him back there," St. Charles East coach Pat Woods said. "I think his efforts today were outstanding, and kind of what we have expected from him along the way. He's just going to get better."
The Saints (6-3) built a 24-12 lead, but Lincoln-Way Central (6-3) pulled within four at the half. The Knights tied it on two occasions midway through the third quarter, but couldn't quite rip off the needed spark to climb back. Sean Sullivan hit a three, which was followed by Risberg's three-point play. Breidigan hit a three to make it 43-34, where it remained after three quarters.
Saints guard Zach Clodi had a solid seven points in the fourth quarter to finish with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists for the Saints. Chase Monkemeyer led with 13 points.
The Saints, coming off a conference loss to crosstown rival St. Charles North, rebounded.
"It was a good test," Woods said. "Lincoln-Way Central, they're coming fresh off a win against Bolingbrook ... they shot the ball really well against them. They won three straight; they're a solid team."