Hoffman scores early, often to get back on track

The Hoffman Estates boys basketball squad started out the season blazing hot, winning 13 of its first 14 games.

But the Hawks hit a bit of rough spot last weekend, losing four games in a span of five days, including going 1-3 at the Hononegah Invite.

On Saturday night, however, the Hawks were back in business.

Hoffman Estates (15-5, 5-1) jumped out to a 20-8 advantage after one quarter en route to a 58-33 Mid-Suburban League West Division victory over visiting Palatine.

"We were trying to bounce back from that tough weekend," said senior guard Luke Mead who scored 13 of his game-high 17 points in the first half. "We just came out hard and tried to put them away early."

The Hawks' defense limited Palatine to 27 percent shooting (6-for-22) in the first half and outrebounded the Pirates 17-6 en route to taking a commanding 37-12 halftime lead.

Senior Chris Hall scored all of his 8 points in the opening half, and junior Brandon Fischer came off the bench to contribute 7 points and 5 rebounds.

"We wanted to prove that we're one of the top teams and last weekend was just a bump," said junior Kevin Tiongson, who added 9 points and some ferocious defense for the Hawks.

Hoffman led 7-4 when Fischer nailed a 3-pointer, and Mead came back to hit back-to-back threes to push the Hawks' lead to 16-6 with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter.

Hoffman shot 61 percent in the opening half, converting 13 of 21 shots including three of four from 3-point territory.

"I thought we did a really good job against their zone in the first quarter," said Hawks coach Bill Wandro. "But more importantly, I thought we played a really good first half, not just defending the offense but getting the rebounds."

The Pirates (2-15, 0-6) worked hard for the open shot, but too often were limited to one chance.

"If you don't come out and match their (Hoffman) intensity you aren't going to give yourself much of a chance," said Pirates coach Eric Millstone. "Hoffman came out ready to play and we didn't match it."

Junior Kyle Held and freshman Michael Orris each scored 6 points to pace the Pirates. Junior Nat Pearson added some scrappy defense.

Hoffman Estates didn't let up in the second half, and the Hawks' bench came in to finish the job in the final quarter.