Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 13, 2017

Bolingbrook pulled it out tonight. The depth really showed. Nana Akeneten wasn’t having a great night but the Raiders had more than enough talented players to step up and fill the void. Read all about it.

Bolingbrook won a major holiday tournament and are undefeated in mid-January. You don’t need me to tell you that they are an excellent team with a great chance to win a sectional and get to Peoria.

How far the Raiders go will likely depend on their young guards. Are they good enough and experienced enough to lead a deep playoff run? I’m not sure. Right now they are overwhelming teams with talent. That way of winning has a cap on it. The sophomore and junior ballhandlers are going to need to make some strides over the next month.

Friday’s top games

Orr 79, North Lawndale 74: This might be the biggest result of the night. A lot of people I talk to don’t seem to believe in Orr. They just haven’t seen them enough. This result should open plenty of eyes. The game was at North Lawndale. Raekwon Drake had 20 points and eight boards. Dannie Smith, who has been a load lately, had 16 points and seven boards. In my mind the Spartans are the clear Class 2A state title favorites.

Marist 56, Marian Catholic 53: The Redhawks remain unbeaten. What a strange season. So many undefeated teams in January. Justin Brown led the way with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Morgan Taylor scored 12. Chase Adams led the Spartans with 16 points and six assists.

St. Patrick 76, Benet 73: The Shamrocks needed this one. Big, big win. Laurence Merritt scored 18, had the game-winning three-pointer. Jack Nolan scored 35 for Benet.

Aurora Central 53, Ridgewood 51: This was a fun one. ACC gets the win on the road thanks to Brett Czerak’s free throws. Get this: Czerak is 91-for-94 from the line this season. That is Jon Scheyeresque.

Minooka 41, Joliet Central 39: The Indians take down the Steelmen again. Jon Butler scored 20, hit the winning throws with five seconds to play.

Young 68, Westinghouse 57: Very big night for Javon Freeman with 30 points and 10 rebounds. I would guess he’s spent the season rising up the prospect lists. Lucas Williamson scored 23.

Lane 51, Von Steuben 49: Calvin Keyes was the hero, he hit a running floater at the buzzer.

Romeoville 70, Oswego East 54: The young Spartans pick up a key conference win. Michael Salter scored 17.

Phoenix 93, Juarez 48: I don’t know anything about Greg Boyle but he scored 40 points and made 11 three-pointers tonight. Perhaps it is time to start BOYLE WATCH.

Uplift 67, Lincoln Park 53: The Titans keep rolling in the Red-North.