T-birds ride third-quarter surge

When Hyde Park looks back at its 68-61 victory over Simeon on Friday night in the Class 4A Hinsdale Central Sectional final, the Thunderbirds will realize their victory was really as easy as 1-2-3: a three-pointer, dunk and pressure defense.

After looking sluggish at times in the opening 12 minutes, Hyde Park (28-4) finally came to life when Martel Jackson (11 points) drained a three-pointer to break a 17-17 tie late in the second quarter. Moments later, not only did Malcolm Griffin hammer home two of his 12 points, but he also helped change the momentum of the game with his steal and dunk.

‘‘That quick stretch really sparked us,’’ Hyde Park’s Anthony Dixon said. ‘‘We were fired up at the half and came out fast in the third quarter.’’

Up next for Hyde Park is Young in Tuesday’s Chicago State Supersectional.

‘‘I couldn’t sleep last night, I was so excited for this game,’’ Griffin said. ‘‘We wanted and needed this one bad.’’

Dixon and Co. landed the knockout punch midway through the third quarter after forcing four consecutive turnovers that resulted in quick dunks or three-point plays. Simeon caved under the pressure in the period, committing nine turnovers and it was never able to recover.

‘‘We played great defense in the third quarter,’’ said Dixon, who finished with a game-high 18 points. ‘‘Simeon had a great team and has a great history, so it was nice to beat them.’’

The Wolverines (18-10) tried to rally in the fourth quarter behind the play of Jeremy Jones (18 points), but they would get no closer than six points. Hyde Park went 12-for-19 from the free-throw line and only committed three turnovers in the final period.

‘‘We knew we had to pressure them,’’ Hyde Park coach Donnie Kirksey said.