Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Feb. 17, 2018

It was a lot of fun to get out and see some new places and new faces today. MOMENCE WATCH happened live and in person. The Redskins lived up to my expectations, really cool gym and a fun team.

Believe it or not, Momence-Cissna Park was a better game than either of the Public League semis. The Timberwolves should be able to make some noise in Class 1A.

Read all about Cissna Park’s win against Momence.

Joe Henricksen did a super deep dive on tomorrow’s Orr-Simeon city title game. Read the preview here.

There are a few games next Saturday, but this was essentially the final full slate Saturday of the season. The season went kinda quickly this year.

Tonight’s top games

Niles North 71, St. Catherine’s (WI) 68 2 OT: The Vikings rebounds from last night’s loss to Maine South. Damaria Franklin hit a three-pointer near the end of the first overtime to tie it at 68. Niles North held the ball for most of the second overtime.

Benet 47, Stevenson 40: I was hoping to get over to this game tonight, but the snow down in Momence made that impossible. Benet led big early but Stevenson got back into it to make it a game. Sophomore big man Colin Crothers scored 19 for the Redwings.

New Trier 69, Racine Park (WI) 49: The Trevians nab their second dominant win of the weekend. Ciaran Brayboy had 21 points and 11 rebounds, Spencer Boehm added 12.

Perspectives-Calumet 76, Schurz 52: This was the White Division title game. Senior Jackie Crawford had a monster game with 31 points and 10 assists. Lenell Watson added 22 points and eight rebounds.

St. Ignatius 73, St. Rita 66: Looks like the Wolfpack is rounding into form at just the right time. Sophomore Daniel Florey scored 22 and senior Jake Brennan added 17.

Amandla 61, Legal Prep 57: This was the Blue West/South title game. Apparently the Blue is just sort of stopping the tournament after the semifinal stage.

Glenbard West 51, Hinsdale Central 50: I haven’t had a chance to see the Hilltoppers this season, which is a shame. Evan Taylor was very impressive when I saw him last season. The junior hit the game-winner today. He scored 14.