Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Dec. 11, 2015

Yeah, the Battle of Vincennes was a lot of fun. Great performance by Charlie Moore and overall just really impressive win by Morgan Park. I’m struggling to remember the last time I saw a team come into Simeon and never trail in the game.

But what about Joliet West? My guys went down at Stagg. Heartbreaking. Will have to do a lot of deeply personal soul searching when I do the Super 25 on Sunday.

Second Morgan Park game I’ve seen, second time I’ve been really impressed by sophomore Ayo Dosunmu. He isn’t putting up a ton of points but he’s doing so much. A lot of young guards in the city are getting hype now, but his size and potential really stand out.

The other low-key noteworthy performance at Simeon was from Raby transfer Terrell Phipps. The 6-8 senior is exactly what the Wolverines needed this season. He had eight points and five rebounds, he’s long and athletic and active. Making your debut for Simeon against Morgan Park is no easy task, but he fit right in.

“He’s a tough kid, he had been waiting to get on the court,” Simeon coach Robert Smith said.

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Tonight’s top scores

West Aurora 50, East Aurora 44: Neither team is Super 25-bound this season, but it is always a massive, important game.

Geneva 56, Larkin 53: First big statement win of the night. Geneva’s demise has been greatly exaggerated.

Thornton 58, Bradley-Bourbonnais 44:The second one. Massive win at home for the Wildcats.

Hinsdale Central 51, Oak Park-River Forest 41: Major cause for concern in Huskieland. And likely devastating to Pontiac seed.

Joliet Central 45, Lockport 38: Big win for the Steelmen, who are surpassing expectations so far.

Prosser 79, Lincoln Park 74: Praised the Lions a lot on No Shot Clock this week, so Prosser must be worth a look.

Stagg 85, Joliet West 79: Big win for the Chargers, will open some eyes. John Contant scored 30, Josh Strama 23. Stagg is 6-1.

Young 71, Farragut 59: Thought the Admirals would hold serve at home, really good sign for the Dolphins this season. Heard they were impressive in the second half. They trailed at halftime.

Lincoln-Way West 45, Thornwood 43: Good luck figuring out the south suburbs this year. Anyone can win any night. That holds for most of the area, but especially south, were pretty much every team is respectable.

Waukegan 52, New Trier 41: Bulldogs are going to be dangerous this year. Super young and prone to messing up, but there is talent.

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Top performances

Patrick Rucker, Thornton: 22 points, 10 rebounds

Justin Pierce, Glenbard West: 35 points (32 of team’s first 39)

Barret Benson, Hinsdale South: 22 points, 10 rebounds

Bryant Brown, Waukegan: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks