The Boys Basketball season ended with a loss in the IHSA playoff tournament. They beat Metea Valley in the first round, but ultimately fell short to the number one seed Geneva in the regional semifinals.

They played Metea Valley on Tuesday, Feb. 25, with the Geneva game on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Both games took place at Metea Valley High School.

The Devils came into the tournament with the 17 seed, and Metea Valley seeded at 14. Although the Devils were a slight underdog, they handily beat Metea Valley with the final score of 69 to 56.

“This win was good for our confidence. We fought really hard,” said Charlie Parse, senior basketball player.

Devils lose a tough one to end the season. Played their tails off tonight and all season. Great job boys!! Special shout out to our 9 seniors for a fantastic high school career! pic.twitter.com/xuorO3PxyD

— Hinsdale Central Boys Basketball Club (@HCRDBasketball) February 27, 2019

As for the game against Geneva, the Devils came out the gate strong with a four-point lead by the end of the first quarter. By the third quarter the Devils were up 42-39, but from then on Geneva dominated the game.

Geneva’s offense proved too hard to stop, as their star player Jack McDonald dropped 37 points. For Hinsdale, Sam Hoiberg, sophomore, scored 19 points, and Matt Rush, senior, scored 14. The final score was 66-56.

“It was a super fun season. We ended the season playing our best basketball. We all made memories together we will never forget,” Rush said.

Seniors Scott Bitautas, Justin Bradshaw, Josh Lange, John Lo, Charlie Lyne, Charlie Parse, Danell Nicholson, Matt Rush, and Emmett Wilson all finished their high school careers against Geneva.

“I’m bummed we lost, but I love the seniors, they deserve all the credit for the effort they put in every day,” said Mac Quast, junior basketball player. “I’m proud of the way we fought against those two great teams.”