HSE wins two in Homestead Holiday Tournament, finishes pool play today

The REPORTER

The Hamilton Southeastern boys basketball team had a perfect day at the Homestead Holiday Tournament on Wednesday, winning both of its games in Pool “A” to start the tournament.

The Royals made a huge second-half comeback in their first game to beat Mishawaka Marian 64-54. Southeastern got down 20-5 after one quarter and still trailed 36-22 at halftime. The Royals turned things around in the second half, outscoring the Knights 42-18.

Nate Orr scored 19 points for Southeastern, hitting all four of his 3-point attempts. Donovan Hamilton reached double-double status with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Michael Griffith contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while Maverick Young hit three triples on his way to 11 points. Braeden Totten also drained three 3s, scoring nine points.

The Royals took on Valparaiso in their second game and won easily, 61-45. This time it was HSE that got off to the hot start, as they led 16-5 after one quarter. Southeastern led 28-12 at halftime and cruised through the second half.

Hamilton put together another double-double performance with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and also had seven steals and three assists. Orr added 16 points, going 6-for-6 at the free-throw line and making two 3s. Orr collected six rebounds, with Griffith and Kam Anthony both pulling five rebounds. Griffith scored seven points and Anthony had five points.

The Royals are 5-3 for the season. Southeastern finishes pool play this morning by taking on Homestead at 11:45 a.m., and will play another game later that afternoon.