Lyons’ Grant Smith Shines in 39-33 Win Over Hinsdale Central

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on December 1, 2023, Lyons Township High School’s sophomore sensation, Grant Smith, propelled his team to a hard-fought 39-33 victory over Hinsdale Central. The match, part of the West Suburban Silver Division, showcased Smith’s explosive talent and left fans buzzing.

As the first half wound down, Smith, standing at 6-foot-6, seized a defensive rebound and ignited the crowd by driving past defenders for a spectacular slam dunk. “It felt good,” Smith said, recalling the electrifying moment. “I remember getting the rebound, pushing it up, then went between the legs and crossed it over.” This highlight was just a glimpse of his impressive performance, where he scored a game-high 17 points and even drained a three-pointer.

The Lions, now boasting a perfect 6-0 record (1-0 in the division), faced stiff competition from the Red Devils, who are grappling with the absence of senior guard Christian Cheung due to injury. Despite the challenges, Hinsdale Central fought valiantly, led by Kristopher Dowell with 10 points and Rodney Davis contributing 8 points. The team shot 10-of-12 from the free-throw line but struggled from beyond the arc, making only three three-pointers.

Lyons coach Tom Sloan praised Smith’s performance, stating, “He’s skilled, athletic and intelligent… made some big plays tonight.” Sloan highlighted the emotional ups and downs typical for a sophomore, yet noted Smith’s composure in his first match against Hinsdale Central.

Hinsdale Central coach Nick LaTorre commended his players for their resilience, saying, “I’m proud of our guys for sticking to the game plan.” LaTorre acknowledged the talent on the Lyons team, particularly focusing on Smith’s standout skills. He remarked, “He shoots it well and gets to the basket… I can’t say enough about the talent around him.”

The atmosphere was further charged by an unexpected delay; a fire alarm forced both teams and fans outside into the cold for nearly 30 minutes before the game could resume. “It was a first in my long playing and coaching career,” Sloan admitted. “We just tried to relax, knowing we’d be back in the gym soon.”

Looking ahead, the Lions will face off against Neuqua Valley tomorrow, where they will encounter another promising sophomore, Cole Kelly. With the momentum from this victory, Lyons aims to continue their winning streak.

This match is a testament to the intense rivalry between Lyons and Hinsdale Central, energizing fans and setting the stage for future encounters. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Grant Smith and the Lions as they strive for excellence.