Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Mar. 14, 2017

NORMAL—Sitting courtside at Redbird Arena for this edition of the notebook. A little snazzier than my apartment.

Not a great game tonight. Simeon just dominated from the start. I had to make sure I saw Mark Smith, so I had to be here. He did not deliver. Looks like things were very exciting up at the Sears Centre, wish I had seen that. Lets get to it, need to be quick tonight with the long drive home.

Tuesday’s games (every one of them…)

Young 67, Evanston 59: This became possible (a trip to state) as soon as Javon Freeman started playing like a flat out star in the second half of the season. The Dolphins have an awful lot of weapons and fit really well together. Nojel Eastern had a big night, he didn’t let his career go down without a fight.

Fremd 36, Jacobs 35 OT: The undefeated Vikings are heading to Peoria. This was vintage Fremd from start to finish. They kept the score low and hung around and pulled it out in the end. A lot of people might not agree, but I think they can give Young a game on Friday.

Bolingbrook 83, Naperville North 57: About what was expected. Bolingbrook rolls. The Raiders get Simeon on Friday and that one should be fun. Bolingbrook is actually deeper than the Wolverines. They’ll be trying to push the tempo. And remember it will be Malik Binns (formerly of Morgan Park) up against Simeon.

Bloomington 69, Marengo 46: Not a surprise here either. The Purple Raiders were impressive at Pontiac and had a fairly clear path to Peoria.

Fenwick 65, St. Viator 36: The Lions made a nice playoff run, but this was a step up in quality. Don’t be surprised if the Friars are the state champs on Saturday afternoon.

Lanphier 64, Centralia 38: I haven’t seen either one of these teams play, but Lanphier has three players nominated for the All-State team. That should be enough to give the Mustangs a game.

Morgan Park 54, Hillcrest 43: The Hawks kept it close but they just don’t have the horses the Mustangs do. Ayo Dosunmu will get a chance to sparkle on the big stage at Carver Arena.