Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 5, 2016

SHARE Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 5, 2016
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There was absolutely no sign that Kenwood was about to comeback and win tonight. Curie was totally in control and leading by 15 points.

“I was thinking there was a lot of time left and we could still win the game,” Kenwood junior David Hunt said. “Our intensity changed.”

The Broncos needed this win. They have the talent to do some real damage this season and this was a big first step. Kenwood isn’t playing the prettiest basketball now, but they play hard. Marlo Finner’s energy has rubbed off on his team.

***

Today’s top games

Zion-Benton 61, Lake Zurich 50: I was pretty sold on the Z-B’s after watching them beat Marian Central Catholic at the Jacobs Tournament. They have some size and DeShawn Wilson Jr. can really play. He had 22.

Simeon 68, Bogan 67 OT: Zach Norvell scored 28 points, he’s having a monster season. Wolverines got a nice game from Ben Coupet with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Soph Talen Horton-Tucker won it with a blocked shot.

Bradley-Bourbonnais 64, Lincoln-Way North 43: Micah Bradford scored scored 36.

Glenbard West 55, St. Charles East 52: I predicted on No Shot Clock that the Hilltoppers would pick up their first loss this week. They passed the first test. Justin Pierce scored 28 points. They face Oak Park-River Forest on Friday.

Stevenson 50, Lake Forest 40: Nice win for the Patriots. They’ve been really up and down this season and struggled mightily when I watched them against Lake Zurich but this is a step in the right direction.

Oak Park-River Forest 67, Proviso West 53: Cam Gross scored 30 points. The junior has put together some huge games this season.

Joliet West 69, Richards 59: Soph Michael Smith led the way with 19 points. Trevian Bell scored 12 and Teyvion Kirk had 18 and six assists. This is an important win for the Tigers. Unlike last year they didn’t let the two losses on the final day of Pontiac send them into a tailspin.

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