Hudson Kirby leads undefeated Geneva to rivalry rout of Batavia
Undefeated Geneva has barely been challenged this season. The Vikings’ closest game was a seven-point win against St. Francis.
On paper, a trip to rival Batavia, which features Jax Abalos, one of the few Division I players in the area, seemed like a possible challenge.
It was over quickly. No. 23 Geneva limited the Bulldogs to three baskets in the first half and cruised to a 62-37 win on Friday.
“It was great to see most of their student section leave at halftime,” Vikings senior Jack Hatton said.
Hudson Kirby, a 6-6 senior committed to Wisconsin-Parkside, led Geneva with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Kirby’s teammates are supremely confident feeding him in the post. They found him at odd angles and often with an extra, unexpected pass.
“We know Hudson is our guy,” Vikings guard Gabe Jensen said. “He’s one of the best players in the state. Everyone knows where he is at all times. We have this connection where he knows I’m always looking for him on the court. If I throw it up to him, he’s going to get it.”
Geneva (9-0, 4-0 DuKane) led 29-7 at halftime.
Coaches can usually find something to complain about. But even Vikings coach Scott Hennig could only list positives after his team’s domination.
“Anytime you come here, it is a tough environment,” Hennig said. “Our kids did a nice job of following the game plan. We got the ball inside, we got to the rim. We did a good job attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. It was a great game. We rebounded really well. It was just a collective effort.”
Junior Dane Turner and Jensen each scored nine points and forced multiple turnovers. Hatton added 13 points and a couple of blocks.
Hennig and his team aren’t surprised by their undefeated start to the season.
“We had a lot back, and they are coachable kids,” Hennig said. “They believe in our system. Geneva is a community where they play basketball from a young age. Our feeders have been great. Our lower-level jobs do a great job teaching. I’m blessed with a great community that supports what we are doing.”
Abalos, a 6-8 Cornell recruit, led Batavia (5-4, 2-2) with 12 points and four rebounds. The Bulldogs shot 15-for-44.
“We’ve played against [Abalos] our whole life,” Kirby said. “We knew our focus had to be on him, and if we could stop him, we’d be good.”
Kirby paid special attention to last year’s state playoffs. Palatine’s run to Champaign and the state semifinals inspired him.
“Our goals are to win the sectional and beyond,” Kirby said. “We are looking to sweep the DuKane, and anything can happen if we win the sectional. We are looking to create this year’s Palatine.”
Geneva played as a cohesive unit. The Vikings defend well, rebound and make the extra pass. But they haven’t faced a major test yet. That could come at Jacobs’ Hinkle Holiday Classic, which starts Saturday.
“I thought at this point we’d have one loss at most,” Kirby said. “Our first real challenge will be against Crystal Lake South or Waubonsie Valley [at Jacobs]. We will be ready.”