Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Dec. 19, 2018

There appear to have been a number of incidents at Public League games this season that flew under the radar.

Tony McCoy, a CPS regional athletic director, sent an email out to coaches and athletic directors on Tuesday: “our office has been receiving an increased number of complaints regarding the unsportsmanship like conduct and unprofessional behaviors which often escalate to fights during and/or after the games.”

McCoy asked the coaches to “take some time to speak with your student athletes regarding the expectations (on and off the court) as well as the consequences that poor conduct/fights might have on their future.”

There was an incident in the crowd two weeks at the North Lawndale vs. Marshall game and the well-publicized fight at the Morgan Park game in the opening week of the season. CPS put Morgan Park on probation for the rest of the season, although it has not responded to a request to clarify what that actually means.

The only other scuffle I’ve heard of was last Friday at the Mather-Foreman game. There was some shoving and players were ejected after leaving the bench. Eleven Mather players are suspended.

“This is definitely unacceptable behavior but we are a young team learning from our mistakes and we want to move forward and get better,” Mather coach Byron Burt said.

Mather lost to Northtown 68-57 tonight.

“The vast majority of CPS students represent their schools well by exhibiting sportsmanlike conduct before, during and after athletic competitions,” CPS spokesperson Patrick Mullane said. “The district sets high standards for its students, and the Office of Sports Administration is working with schools to emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and ensure students understand and meet our expectations for student conduct.”Wednesday’s top games

No. 17 Lincoln Park 64, Jones 42: Julio Montes has become a Joe Henricksen favorite. He scored 19 and Michael Robinson added 14 points. Tahir Thompson had eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists. The Lions are at Payton tomorrow.

Lindblom 58, Crane 55: Myles Twyman scored 15, Marshun Williams had 14 and Shamar Pumphrey added 10 points and nine assists. This one was at Crane, a very nice win for the 9-2 Eagles.

Simeon 64, Westinghouse 43: The Wolverines get a much-needed win. Antonio Reeves had 24 points and 11 rebounds. Jeremiah Stamps pulled down 12 boards and scored eight points. Freshman AJ Casey added seven points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Lane 59, Taft 43: Louis Perona scored 18 and Johnny Colombo added eight. The Indians are 7-4 and head to the Maine East Holiday Tournament next.

WEDNESDAY’S FULL SCOREBOARD