Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Dec. 19, 2017

Evanston’s historic gym underwent a facelift over the summer. There is a new floor and two video boards.

It feels more like a semi-pro or minor league experience than a high school game. There were even two different Wildkits hype videos before the game. They actually had a replay of a Lance Jones dunk and steal up on the board shortly after the play occurred. I’ve never seen that in a high school gym before.

There were also some loud video commercials in between the quarters, so it isn’t all positive. Interesting to have such a modern experience in such an old gym. The Wildkits played well, the win was in the bag by the middle of the third quarter. Read the story here.

Evanston freshman Blake Peters started but sat most of the second quarter. He drained three three-pointers in the third quarter and had nine in the game. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen someone run as hard without the ball in half court sets as he does.

Wildkits junior Jaheim Holden said Peters is already the best shooter on the team.

“Hands down,” Holden said. “He works on his shot non-stop, after practice and at 6 a.m.”

Zion-Benton freshman Amar Augillard already looks like a senior physically. He had a rough shooting night but it’s easy to see why he’s getting so much buzz in the northern suburbs.

Tuesday’s top games

Eisenhower 43, Brother Rice 38: This is a surprise. Rashawn Schandon scored 12 points Daylen Wilson added 10 points. The Cardinals are just 2-7 this season, but sprung the upset tonight.

Momence 78, North Newton (IN) 61: Momence Watch just rolls on. The Redskins are 7-1. Lamar Lillard led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Lamarius Lillard added 21 points and Kobey Mazur scored 20 points.

Glenbrook North 71, Grayslake North 51: The Spartans rebound nicely after picking up their first loss of the season last week (against Deerfield). Coach Dave Weber’s squad is 8-1.

Collins 58, Elgin 56: The White-West leaders pick up a win in the suburbs. Demarcus Williams scored 19.

Carver 46, Ellison 44:Senior guard Eric Bates Jr. scored 34 and had the game-winning layup.

St. Charles North 60, South Elgin 47: This one was at the Sears Centre. That is literally all I know about it.