Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 23, 2018

I got lucky tonight and caught the varsity debut of a promising young sophomore, Willowbrook’s Everett Stubblefield.

He was all positive for the Warriors and they would not have beaten Larkin without him.

It’s kind of hard to believe, but that was my first trip to Willowbrook. It’s a great gym, probably one of my favorites in the West Suburban conference. Read all about Willowbrook’s win against Larkin.

A massive No Shot Clock was released today. Joe Henricksen and I almost cracked the two hour mark, fell just 12 seconds short. We did our annual stock report, choosing to buy, sell or hold the stock of the area’s best teams. I didn’t count but I think we discussed 70 or 80 teams.

Listen to No Shot Clock.

Tonight’s top games

Morgan Park 73, Harlan 50: The Mustangs cruise past the young Falcons. I’m hearing that Ayo Dosunmu could possibly play on Saturday in Baltimore.

McHenry 72, Hampshire 53: Gavin Markgraff led the way with 28 points. I watched McHenry play at York over the holidays, they lost the game but I was really impressed with just how hard they played. I’ll be keeping my eye on them the rest of the season.

Kenwood 60, Vocational 53: The Broncos grab an important win to get some momentum back. Talvin Wooten scored 14 and grabbed eight rebounds.

Prospect 62, Glenbrook South 36: The Titans’ recent scores have everyone paying attention. The Knights didn’t mess around apparently. Sam Murray scored 14 points. Nice to see a team get ranked and win.

Grayslake North 50, Antioch 49: Two intriguing north suburban teams. The Knights have now won three consecutive games. James Connolly had 18 points and 16 rebounds.

Bolingbrook 71, Joliet West 66: The Tigers gave Bolingbrook all it could handle, leading for most of the game. Jordan Myrick led the way with 18 points and Joseph Yesufu scored 12. According to the Herald-News Joliet West has added two underclassmen to the varsity, freshman Trent Howard and sophomore Jamere Hill.

Sandburg 54, Eisenhower 41: Marvin Agwomoh scored 18 points and Jake Pygon scored 15. The Eagles continue to be dangerous, they have a big game on Friday at Homewood-Flossmoor.

Simeon 65, Dunbar 49: Wolverines coach Robert Smith says it was his team’s worst game of the year. That is a bit concerning heading into Thursday’s big game with Curie. Xavier Pinson continued his hot streak with 15 points, seven steals and four assists. Zion Young had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Talen Horton-Tucker added 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Curie 76, Brooks 33: Marquise Walker had 12 points and five assists. Big man Tyler Clarke added 10 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

TF South 59, Andrew 52: The Thunderbolts were featured in Joe Henricksen’s three-pointer this week, but they hit a snag tonight.

U-High 49, Latin 36: Christian Brookins scored 21, he drained six three-pointers. Jamison Miller, a 6-8 junior, added 10 points.

Wheaton-Warrenville South 34, Wheaton North 32: This makes two consecutive big rivalry victories for the Tigers, who are clearly back to their winning ways.

Bogan 75, Hyde Park 70: Kinda close. Jordan Booker scored 27 and Rashaun Agee added 15 points and 11 rebounds.