Hoffman tops Prairie Ridge for first 'W'
Hoffman Estates entered Saturday night's game against Prairie Ridge searching for their first win.
The Hawks found it.
Junior Austin Terry scored 7 of his game high 12 points in the final quarter leading Hoffman Estates (1-2) to a 42-38 victory over Prairie Ridge at the Crystal Lake Central Coaches vs. Cancer Thanksgiving Tournament.
Hoffman Estates entered the final quarter leading 25-21, but the Hawks went 9-of-15 from the free throw line in the final quarter to pull away from the Wolves.
"We hit some crucial free throws," said Hoffman coach Bill Wandro whose team finished 15-for-27 from the line. "It wasn't a perfect game by any means, but they gave a lot of energy out there tonight and I was happy with their defensive effort."
Both teams started out cold offensively; with Hoffman taking a 5-3 lead entering the second quarter.
Senior Matt Pahl scored 6 of his 10 points in the second quarter in helping Hoffman secure a 15-13 halftime advantage.
Hoffman Estates' defense limited Prairie Ridge to 8-for-32 shooting, including holding the Wolves to 2 field goals in the opening half.
"Defensively they're good," said Prairie Ridge coach Corky Card. "It's probably as good a defensive team we'll see all year."
Hoffman entered the final quarter clinging to a 25-21 advantage, but the Hawks found their touch in the final eight minutes.
Senior Joey Havel (6 points) supplied the Hawks with a lift off the bench by hitting on a drive to open the final quarter. Pahl then added a score inside to give the Hawks a quick 8 point cushion.
But Prairie Ridge (1-2) responded with a steal by Sean Valentine, who fed Mac Curtis (7 points) for an easy layin to narrow the Wolves' deficit to 3 at 30-27 with 4:22 remaining.
Terry started a 10-5 run for Hoffman with a steal and layin, and Pahl finished the stretch with 2 free throws to give the Hawks a commanding 42-32 lead with 33 seconds remaining.
Junior Alex Bond (8 points) also gave the Hawks a lift with his energy on both ends of the court.
Valentine (10 points) and James Stawarz ( 9 points) aided the Wolves' attack.