Analysis: Hinsdale South Wilts after Red-Hot Start

Hinsdale South’s play in the first quarter of was about as close to perfection as a basketball team can get. The Hornets shot 10-of-13 from the field and 3-of-3 from the line, and matched the Proviso East Pirates step for step in athleticism and tempo. Guard Phil George scored 12 first-quarter points, including a four-point play, to lead the Hornets to a 27-16 lead after the first quarter. 

The second quarter, however, was a different story. 

The Pirates forced the Hornets to play at a slower pace on offense, using matchup and man zones, at the halfcourt line. Hornets guards Joe Petrak, Ryan Johnson, and George struggled moving the ball around on the perimeter and inside to center Brock Benson in the second quarter. Their passes weren’t as crisp or as quickly made as they had been in the first quarter, and that led to turnovers. 

The Pirates took advantage of their superior athleticism and speed, scoring fast-break and second-chance points. Guard Keith Carter had eight points and three of the team’s six steals in the second quarter as the Pirates held the Hornets to only five points in the quarter 

The Hornets played better in the second half and were able to erase an eight-point deficit late in the third quarter. However, whenever Hinsdale South came close, the Pirates would force a turnover and send the ball back the other way for an easy basket or two-shot foul. 

In the end, Proviso East claimed a 75-67 victory.

“I think they got a little smarter as the game went on and that’s a credit to their team and how they play,” Hornets coach Vince Doran said. 

Stats Pack: Proviso East guard Keith Carter’s seven steals matched the entire team total for the Hornets. He also contributed to several loose-ball situations throughout the game, meaning he had a direct or indirect hand in at least half of the steals in the game. 

Play of the Night: Hinsdale South guard Joe Petrak hit a 25-foot three-pointer off a loose-ball play as time expired to end the third quarter, cutting the Pirates’ lead to 53-48. He hit a similar three to open the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 53-51. 

Past History: On Dec. 17 at Maywood, the Pirates beat the Hornets 66-44.

Tournament Seeding: The playoff seeding for the IHSA tournament will be announced on Wednesday. Doran said: “We’ll be going in there with a 14-8 record. I expect to walk away with a 9 or 10 seed.”

Makeup Game: The Hornets were supposed to play a home game against Lyons Township on Feb. 1, but the game was canceled because of the blizzard. The game has been rescheduled for Feb. 15.