Hillhouse took an early lead, built it up, then smothered Mount Vernon guard Jabarie Hinds with a box-and-one defense.
Tavon Allen had 4-5 inches on Hinds, making it difficult for him to get loose for shots. In the box-and-one, others need to step up and Hinds' teammates never did. Mount Vernon had just 17 points by halftime - hence why Hillhouse never had to change defenses.

Freddie Wilson was plenty motivated by Wednesday's story in the Register on Hinds and played well with a game-high 21 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists. He is a complete player and is a Division I college player in the making. Allen had 18 points, making four three-point shots.

Mount Vernon would be one of the top 3-4 teams in the SCC even in what is not a vintage team under longtime coach Bob Cimmino. But if the Academics can play defense and rebound like they did Wednesday night, they can be in the Class LL final at Mohegan Sun.

But they need that consistent effort on the boards to have a chance to get there.