Hornets Fuel Big Win with Pressure Defense

What’s even better than holding a team to four points in the first quarter is doing it again in the second quarter.

Hinsdale South dismantled a young Willowbrook team in Tuesday night’s boys basketball game in Darien, taking a 36-8 halftime lead and cruising to a 67-24 West Suburban Gold win.

“We lost a tough game to Bloomington (56-43) on Saturday, so it was nice to see us bounce back and play well tonight,” Hornets coach Vince Doran said. “(Willowbrook) is young, but it was a very good effort by our kids.”

Brock Benson and Phil George tied for high-scoring honors with 12 points apiece, and their services weren’t required in the second half.

George’s points came on four 3-pointers, and the Hornets pounded the ball inside to Benson early and often in building their lead.

“We talked about that,” Benson said. “When we play inside-out, it allows everyone to get shots. No matter where they are, I’ll pass it to them.”

The Hornets (10-6, 3-2 in WSG play) forced turnovers with regularity that led to fast-break points and kept the defensive clamps on a sophomore-rich Warriors team throughout.

After scoring four points in each of the first two quarters, Willowbrook scored nine in the third and seven in the fourth.

“I know they’re young and everything, but we played good defense tonight,” Benson said. “We strive to get single(-digit) quarters defensively, so to get a single(-digit) half was pretty good.”

With the game in hand, Doran sat his starters early in the third quarter, then sat down and enjoyed a fine effort put forth by the Hornets’ backup players.

“Those guys earn their minutes in practice every day, so it’s nice to see them get varsity time and experience,” Doran said.

Junior Dijon James didn’t hesitate to showcase his game in the second half, scoring from various spots on the floor and lacing up his shoes and getting after it defensively.

“He played well offensively, defensively, and he shot it very well,” Doran said. “He’s such a good athlete and only being a junior, we’re certainly going to count on him in the future.”

Ryan Johnson finished with nine points for the Hornets, Stephen Scott netted seven, and Johnnie Jasper and Andy Nkansah scored five points apiece. The Hornets also got another take-him-for-granted effort from senior point guard Joe Petrak.

“Joe’s been great for us. He’s so consistent, and we probably need to get him more shots,” Doran said. “But he’s the guy that makes us go, relaxes us, and he’s been super this year.”