Michael O’Brien’s high school basketball notebook

Glenbard West’s Braden Huff delivered on Saturday. The sophomore recently stepped into the spotlight, with Joe Henricksen dubbing him the area’s top unknown prospect.

Huff led the Hilltoppers to a 57-43 win against Yorkville Christian with coaches from Stanford and Drake watching. He finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.

Glenbard West has several talented young players, including sophomore Caden Pierce (Justin’s younger brother) and sophomore Paxton Warden.

“We’re definitely learning but we are continuing to progress,” Glenbard West coach Jason Opoka ais. “This is the grind of the season. Teams know about us, they scout us. There is still a learning curve. Especially the physicality. We’re so young. But the kids work hard and they love the game.”

Yorkville Christian was ice cold from three-point range. Sophomore Jaden Schutt, who set the state record for threes in a game earlier this season, finished with 18 points and nine rebounds but was just 2-for-9 from three-point range.

The Mustangs will be a major factor in the Class 1A playoffs in March. Depth is an issue right now.

Monday’s top games

Fenwick 89, No. 24 Simeon 70: The Friars dominate at home. It appears the young Wolverines haven’t turned the corner just yet. Junior Bryce Hopkins scored 41 and sophomore Trey Pettigrew added 26 for Fenwick. Sophomore Avyion Morris led Simoen with 20 points.

Phillips 72, Hyde Park 68 OT: Massive statement win for a White Division team on the road against a good team from the Red-South/Central. Freshman Jaheim Savage had 27 points and 10 rebounds and Keyon Joiner added 14 points and 10 boards.

No. 3 Notre Dame 66, No. 11 Morgan Park 59: Three different people told me today that they thought I was insane for ranking Notre Dame higher than Morgan Park before today’s game. Anthony Sayles led the Dons with 23 and if you don’t know how good their resume is you aren’t paying attention.

Oak Park 73, Lincoln-Way East 69: Isaiah Barnes has tantalized all the talent evaluators (and now one Chicago policeman that was working the event at Hyde Park). The junior scored a career-high 31 points. Josh Smith added 24 for the Huskies. I have to admit that the Griffins are much better than I was giving them credit for though. They played very well.

Crane 51, Plainfield Central 37: The Cougars made their first 10 three-pointers. It was wild and they led 34-7. Plainfield Central oared back to make it a game late. Robert Hobbs led Crane with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Tavari Johnson scored 15 for the Wildcats.

Lyons 42, DeKalb 37: The Barbs’ 15-game winning streak comes to an end at the hands of the surging Lions, who knocked off Waubonsie Valley a few days ago.

Timothy Christian 54, Northridge Prep 51 2 OT: The Trojans win in double-overtime. Josh Harris scored 26 and AJ Voss added 17 points and eight rebounds.

York 40, Benet 38: The Dukes win the Wheaton-Warrenville South tournament. Tim Glavan clinched it with a put back at the buzzer. Nate Shockey led the way with 15 points.

Hinsdale South 69, Sterling 45: James Ruzicka scored 20 to lead the Hornets to the title game win at Sterling.

Neuqua Valley 74, Rockford Boylan 56: John Poulakidas cracked the 1,000 point mark.

Libertyville 64, No. 22 St. Charles North 53: The Wildcats have been playing well for awhile based on their scores. Nice upset victory.

No. 23 Cary-Grove 66, No. 15 Glenbrook South 65: Major win for the Fox Valley and the Trojans. Beau Frericks scored 24 and Frank Jakubicek added 18.