Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 27, 2018

The day began over at Orr with a pretty good game between Leo and Uplift. The Lions won it and continue their impressive run since losing to Morgan Park over the holidays. Read all about it.

Then I made the trip out to Batavia’s Night of Hoops. I caught the end of St. Charles East’s win against DeKalb and then watched West Aurora beat Willowbrook 78-66.

Both teams came into the game hot. Willowbrook had just knocked off Larkin and Proviso East. The Blackhawks showcased just how much potential they have this season.

Jared Crutcher (27 points, 15 rebounds) and Camron Donatlan (23 points, 12 rebounds) dominated the boards. Willowbrook was out-rebounded 42-19.

Soph Everett Stubblefield scored 18 for Willowbrook. Ethan Schuemer and Matas Masys each had 15.

West Aurora beat Willowbrook 78-66. Jared Crutcher had 27 points and 15 rebounds and Camron Donatlan added 23 points and 12 boards.

It’s going to be very hard to beat the Blackhawks if you can’t stop Crutcher. Donatlan is a tantalizing player. He really has the ability to be a superstar. It will be interesting to see just how far he can lead West Aurora this season.

Saturday’s top games

Orr 75, St. Louis Vashon 65: This is a big win for the Spartans. Raekwon Drake has really turned it on lately. He had 21 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. Dannie Smith added 15 points and seven assists.

Homewood-Flossmoor 68, Hillcrest 63 OT: The Vikings are young but talented. Hillcrest transfer Issac Stanback scored 20 for H-F. The Hawks had been on quite a roll since Proviso West. This is another rankings buster.

Lake Forest 53, Warren 45: Mead Payne scored 16 points and the Lake County scene continues to be difficult to figure out.

St. Louis Chaminade 97, Young 74: Javon Freeman scored 17 points in the loss.

Oak Park 57, Lyons 48: Nice game for Anthony Roberts with 21 points and seven boards. Tyrese Shines had 13 for Lyons.

Simeon 71, Baltimore PolyTech 64: Another win for Simeon, another big game for Talen Horton-Tucker. He had 34 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Messiah Jones added 13 points and 15 rebounds.

St. Francis, MD 95, Morgan Park 75: This one wasn’t very close. Ayo Dosunmu did not play, he is still recovering from his ankle injury. Marcus Watson scored 26 and Adam Miller had 19.

Lincoln-Way East 65, Joliet Central 53: The Griffins huge weekend continues. Brandon Petcoff scored a career-high 23 and Sam Shafer had 15.

New Trier 62, St. Viator 48: The Trevians cruise even without Ciaran Brayboy. Brian Conaghan led the way with 13 points. Treyvon Calvin led St. Viator with 20 pts.

Evanston 68, Geneva 61: Sounds like this was a fun one. Lance Jones had 28 and Jaheim Holden added 21.

Loyola 39, Detroit Jesuit 35: Nice win for the Ramblers, who clearly dictated the tempo.

Gary Roosevelt 66, Prosser 53: Freshman Norvell Meadows stays hot and scored 27 in the loss.