Recapping Day 2 of the Hinkle Holiday Classic

I haven't been to Jacobs since 2018, and I always wanted to go back. I got the chance yesterday so I could see some teams up in my neck of the woods that I haven't seen yet.

Here is a recap of Wednesday's edition of the Hinkle Holiday Classic:

Quarterfinal Bracket:

Hoffman Estates 52 Prairie Ridge 40

The Hawks led by 2 at halftime, but pulled away in the second half. Trendell Whiting led the way with 17 points. DJ Wallace had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Nate Cleveland had 10 points. It'll be a very interesting battle in the Mid Suburban West once again. John Fuery had 12 points off the bench, and James Muse had 10 points for the Wolves. The Wolves are a scrappy well coached group that can battle it out with anyone.

Crystal Lake South 57 Larkin 35

This was all Gators. Zach Peltz had a great first half scoring 12 of his 14 points in that stretch. Sophomore guard AJ Demirov led all scorers with 23 points (3/5 3 pt.) and 7 rebounds. Jasavion Sowers, Armani Ivy, and Joshua Hibbett all had 6 points each for the Royals.

Grayslake Central 69 Bartlett 65

This was the game of the night! The Rams had four guys finish in double digits: Dennis Estepp (19 points, 2/5 3 pt.), Jake Gibson (13 points, 9 rebounds), Sam Cooper, and Michael Monahan (11 points each). Jake Gibson, a 6-6 senior committed to the College of Lake County, came up with some huge baskets and boards in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. The Rams will be tested Thursday night against Barrington. Kelton McEwen led the Hawks with 22 points, and Nathan Scearce had 19. 6-3 forward Ravi Banipal had 7 rebounds.

Barrington 54 Cary-Grove 18

The Broncos remain undefeated with an easy win. Alec Schmidts had 17, Donovan Nichols had 12, and Dillon Schmidt had 10. No real size for them this year, but no problem thus far into the season. It'll be an interesting matchup Thursday night against Grayslake Central. Despite a rough night for the Trojans, guard Jake Hornok did finish with 10 of the Trojans' 18 points.

Consolation Bracket:

South Elgin 71 Marian Central 56

The Storm had four players in double digits with 6-7 Sean Harvey leading the team with 17 points. Elias Williams and Jake Tiaokhiao had 14 points each, and Shailen Patel had 11 points. Football recruit Christian Bentancur led the Hurricanes with 23 points, and Cale McThenia had 16 points.

Grant 63 Elk Grove 55

The Grenadiers made it interesting in the end after the Bulldogs got it up to 15 midway through the fourth quarter. Grenadier sharpshooting guard Bronson Bartuch led all scorers with 34 points. Bulldogs promising sophomore Braylon Gray had 16, and junior Pryde Mendoza had 14.

Jacobs 53 Jefferson 44

The J-Hawks were unable to fully recover from a bad start. Brett Schlicker led the Golden Eagles with 16 points, and Amari Owens added 11. Randy Johnson had 14 points for the J-Hawks.

Johnsburg 81 Streamwood 42

Skyhawks win this one in a rout. Dylan Schmidt led all scorers with 27 points. 6-6 football recruit Jacob Welch had 16, and John Schmitt had 15. Francis Sagadraca led the Sabres with 17 points.