Hard-working Hinsdale Central comes up short against Bogan

Tom McKenna proudly says he's coached in the McDonald's Shootout "20 out of the 21 years."

What's his best memory?

"Too hard to single out one this is my favorite day of the year," said the first-year Hinsdale Central coach, previously at St. Ignatius for 23 years. "I'll take today because my kids worked really hard. That's my best memory."

Aside from a 10-0 stumble to end the first half, McKenna's Red Devils played Chicago Public League opponent Bogan to a standstill in a 49-39 loss at the 21st McDonald's Shootout on Monday at Willowbrook High School.

Hinsdale Central (2-18), coming off its second win of the season on Saturday against Lyons Township, led 16-15 a minute into the second quarter after a Lily Sarros basket. Maddie Roglich's 3-pointer with 4:57 left in the half had the Red Devils within 21-19.

A 10-0 run by Bogan (13-9) to end the half created separation, a margin Hinsdale Central was chasing the rest of the way.

"It's about playing the whole game," said Hinsdale Central senior Avery Anderson. "We had a letdown there at the end of the second quarter. Other than that we were right with them."

Bogan pounded the offensive glass to the tune of 15 offensive rebounds, and its superior quickness and athleticism resulted in much of its offense.

There was no quit in Hinsdale Central, though.

"A game like this, we would have lost by 20 or 25 points earlier in the season," McKenna said. "This is probably the best group I've ever worked with. A lot of people would die at this point of a season like this. Our kids aren't dying at all."

Christine Rush typified the Red Devils' relentless attitude, scoring 19 points with 5 rebounds. Sarros added 7 points and 11 rebounds. LaTrece Harris had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Bogan.

Rush said the girls were inspired before the game by a talk from assistants Morgan Kasperek and Gia Navarra, who both played at the shootout for Hinsdale Central.

"It's an honor to play an event like this," Rush said.