The Vikings just started their season and they are off to a great start. Currently sitting at 4-2 and just beating Stagg earlier in the week. The team has had their fair share of wins and losses.

Last season we saw the Vikings go 8-5 with a similar roster than the one they have now. However the Vikings see this season going much better than last year.

“Last year was a pretty weird year with COVID and we did not have a lot of practice. This season we have a lot more depth and our chemistry is at an all-time high.”, said Senior Luis Acevedo.

It is no surprise that the team has had so much chemistry. H-F has kept their squad together for awhile and many of the players have been playing basketball together for years. 

“I have been playing with some of these guys since middle school, the chemistry is definitely there and you see it on the court that we have been playing together for a long time.”, said Christian Meeks.

H-F started it’s season at the Chicago Heights Classic tournament and went 2-2. Losing to Hyde Park and Marian Catholic High School and beating T.F South and Rich Township.

“We played alright, we could have definitely played better but I think we still showed that we are a great team.”, said Junior Jahlil Birchete.

The Vikings showed their full potential against Rich Township, beating the team 99-36 and allowing a total of seven points in the second half. Senior shooting guard, Luis Acevedo dropped a team-high 27 points.

“That game showed everyone we do not lose confidence, after losing our first game we felt we had a fire lit under us and Rich Township just happened to be on the other side of that.”, said Luis Acevedo. 

H-F showed what they are made of at the tournament and showed all viewers why they should be excited to watch the team more in the Winter.

H-F will have real tests and have the opportunity to show why they should be a top 25 team in the state at the Holiday Hinsdale Tournament.

The Vikings have a great track record in this tournament, being in four out of the five of most recent title games and winning the most recent one. It is no surprise that the Vikings place a lot of value on this tournament.

“It is maybe the most important point in the season as it’s here that teams decide what the next two months are worth to them.  Some teams make the decision to push hard towards their goals and others simply choose to play it out for what it is.  As a coaching staff, we are aware of this and make a point to place great value on this time of year with the hopes that we come out in the second half a more mature and finished basketball team.” said head coach, Marc Condotti.

The annual Holiday Hinsdale tournament starts on December 22 and H-F hopes to defend their championship.

H-F won the tournament during the 2019-2020 season when the team was led by alum R.J Ogom and Josiah Palmer.

This team is much different from that one but coach Marc Condotti uses the same approach year in and year out in order to compete for the Hinsdale Central Holiday championship.

“One game at a time.  The Hinsdale Central Holiday is filled with solid, well-coached teams that play a wide variety of basketball.  You have to take each game as a single, individual challenge and if you make it through, work even harder in the next round.  It’s a big challenge and shows us exactly where we are on our path for the season.” said Coach Marc Condotti when asked about how he plans to defend H-F’s championship.

Players and fans alike are excited to watch H-F defend their championship at the upcoming winter tournament.

“The Hinsdale tournament has good competition every year so it’s just fun to play against good teams”, said senior center, Christian Meeks. He is the only player on the current team who has played in the tournament before so his experience can be a huge difference maker.

The Vikings still have a few games to go before the tournament starts starting with a matchup versus Lincoln Way West tonight and hope to improve to 5-2 on the season. The game is at home so let’s show up and support our Vikings.