Michael O’Brien’s high school basketball notebook

The cupboard is not bare at Lane.

Nick LoGalbo’s team graduated so much talent that I was a bit worried about the program’s chances to stick in the Red Division this season. One game isn’t much to go on, but based on Lane’s performance against New Trier in the Chicago Elite Classic tonight I like their chances.

Louis Perona, Erik Stemper and Rashad Harries, all returners, have much bigger roles this season. Justin Brown, who made three three-pointers against the Trevians, and Aaron McQueen, a promising 6-5 junior, round out a very capable starting five.

Lane (3-3) jumped out to a 32-26 lead at halftime and won 57-47 (depending on which score you believe. Mine didn’t match the scoreboard, which didn’t match the stat sheet that was handed out in the post game).

Ian Burns led New Trier (3-3) with nine points. The Trevians were also hit hard by graduation and didn’t return the core of experienced players that Lane did.

Fenwick beat Oak Park 58-48 in the nightcap. Sophomore Trey Pettigrew had a breakout performance with 22 points. Bryce Hopkins scored 17 and grabbed 10 rebounds.

A good first night overall at the Chicago Elite Classic. I’m looking forward to Lincoln Park vs. Kenwood tomorrow afternoon at Wintrust.

Friday’s top games

Eisenhower 79, Lemont 71: Jemel Jones scored 21 and Taijon Barry added 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Cardinals are 5-1 and one of the many south suburban teams that we need to pay attention to this season.

No. 10 Lincoln Park 73, Westinghouse 70 OT: The must have been a real barn burner. I’m told that Warriors star Devin Davis is out for awhile with an ankle injury, which actually makes this an impressive loss for Westinghouse.

Oak Forest 80, Evergreen Park 55: Massive game from sophomore Robbie Avila with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Jayson Kent added 16 points. The Bengals are 5-1.

Schaumburg 54, Conant 39: Shamaree Brown scored 21 and the Saxons are 5-0. They play Huntley in what should be a really good game tomorrow at Wheaton-Warrenville South.

North Lawndale 75, Marshall 74: Other rivalries get more attention, but trust me there is nothing quite like North Lawndale-Marshall. Jamar Wilkins led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Daequan Davis scored 17 and had the game-winner with nine seconds left.

St. Patrick 57, No. 18 Benet 49: What a nice, eye-opening win for the Shamrocks. Senior Dominic Galati scored 18 and junior Timaris Brown added 13 points. If I have any energy left after the Chicago Elite Classic I might see St. Patrick play at Ridgewood on Sunday.

Hinsdale South 70, Morton 52: Another stand up and take notice win, especially considering the margin. James Ruzicka scored 16, Daeshawn Amy added 14. The Hornets are 5-0.

No. 14 Thornton 68, Crete-Monee 37: Brandon Hall had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Wildcats are undefeated and they face Bloom on Tuesday.

Andrew 51, Lincoln-Way East 43: Remember two years ago when the T-Bolts took everyone by surprise? Time to keep an eye on them again. That’s four consecutive wins. Noah O’Connor hit the big free throw to hold off the Griffins.

No. 1 Bloom 67, Thornridge 41: Martice Mitchell shows out with 19 points and eight rebounds. Christian Shumate added 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. The Blazing Trojans are in the Chicago Elite Classic tomorrow.

Cary-Grove 63, Huntley 53: Major game in the Fox Valley, these appear to be the two best teams although Jacobs can never be counted out. Beau Frericks scored 22 and Frank Jakubicek added 21 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks for the Trojans.

Duncanville, Tex. 72, No. 12 Orr 54: This game was at Orr, so it appears that Young has its hands full tomorrow in the Chicago Elite Classic.