Hillcrest ended the decade the same way it started it.
The Hawks defeated Rich Central 66-55 Tuesday night to win the Hillcrest Holiday Classic for the first time since 2000. In handing the No. 15 Olympians (13-1) their first loss, the No. 12 Hawks (13-1) asserted themselves as one of the top teams in the Southland.
“Enthusiasm, I think that’s what it was,” sophomore guard Shannise Heady said. “I was really enthusiastic, really into the game. I just felt it today.”
Heady scored 21 points — including 17 in the first half — and was named tournament MVP.
“Shannise Heady is exploding on the state and national scene,” Hillcrest coach John Maniatis said. “We see this every day in practice and watch her expand her game every day.”
The Hawks led 15-1 in the first quarter after seven Rich Central turnovers, and pulled ahead 20-4 following a rebound and basket by Autris Coleman with 7 minutes, 24 seconds left in the second.
A night after overcoming a 15-point first-half deficit in its semifinal win over Homewood-Flossmoor, Rich Central roared back from its 16-point deficit to pull within four, 30-26, at the half. Janae Smith’s rebound off of a missed free throw and putback pulled the Olympians within two in the third.
Uniquah Hampton, Yolanda De La Torre and Samirah Ali each scored 12 points for the Hawks.
Player of the game: Shannise Heady, Hillcrest, 21 points, 4 steals.
Key performers: Hillcrest — Yolanda De La Torre, 12 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks; Uniquah Hampton, 12 points, 9 rebounds. Rich Central — Janae Smith, 17 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks; Ashley Huddleston, 16 points, 6 rebounds.
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ckane@tribune.com
