Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Dec. 16, 2017

Hinsdale South vs. Conant was just what I needed after a week of sloppy basketball. That was a well-played, exciting game with two high-level seniors and some interesting young players.

Ryan Davis was something else. Looked like an All-Area player. Conant was really good at getting him the ball, that’s something that a lot of high school teams struggle with when they have talented big men.

It’s easy to see why the Cougars have beaten some good teams but are just 6-4. Davis is practically unstoppable but he’s going to need some other players to develop around him by March. If that happens don’t be surprised if Conant makes a playoff run.

I was impressed with Hinsdale South. They were ranked in the preseason and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them back in the rankings by the end of the year. It might take until then though. Sophomores Aaron Tims and Billy Durkin should be much better by February.

Joe Henricksen and I will be recording No Shot Clock tomorrow morning, so if you have any questions send them tonight (mobrien@suntimes.com).

Saturday’s top games

Momence 73, St. Anne 55: Momence Watch is still going strong. Lamarius Lillard led the Redskins with 22 points and his brother Lamar Lillard added 17. Kobey Mazur chipped in with 13 points, drained four three-pointers.

No. 22 Evanston 73, St. Joseph 60: The Chargers led at the half but Evanston had a big second half, wore down the hosts.

Lincoln Park 67, Latin 49: The Lions were led by junior Mike Robinson who shot 7 for 9 from three-point range and finished with 21 points. Terrence Shannon added 12 points.

Prospect 60, Stevenson 43: The Knights are 7-2. David Swedura led the way with 16.

No. 14 West Aurora 65, St. Charles North 53: This was arguably the best matchup of the night. Really nice win for the Blackhawks. Camron Donatlan and Damian Virgen each scored 17.

No. 2 Young 71, Desoto, TX 66: DePaul Prep transfer Elliott Sieger is eligible and hit the big shot in this win. That’s a major weapon back for the Dolphins.

No. 5 Romeoville 62, Parkway Central 58: Second win in a row for the Spartans since losing to Bolingbrook. DeAndre Heckard had 13 and Eddie Creal and sophomore Destin Whitaker each scored 11.

No. 8 Orr 75, Hazelwood, MO 69: Raekwon Drake had a breakout game with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks. Dannie Sith scored 23 and Chase Adams added 15. The Spartans are back in Chicago tomorrow against Proviso East.

Brother Rice 60, Bloom 55: The Blazing Trojans couldn’t quite pull off two upsets in two days. Dante Maddox Jr. had 22 for Bloom, didn’t see any stats for the Crusaders.

No. 1 Simeon 66, Waxahachie, TX 59: It’s time to officially add Messiah Jones to your Player of the Year conversation. Another big game for the Wolverines’ “big man” with 25 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. Talen Horton-Tucker added 18 points and six assists.