Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Dec. 9, 2016

Fremd’s upset of Conant is one of those games that high school basketball fans love to argue about. Some yell about shot clocks, some love the fact that a smart, disciplined team can level the playing field by drastically decreasing the number of offensive possessions in a game. Read all about it.

It’s just early December, but that was a major statement game in the Mid-Suburban League. It’s possible Conant, one of the teams I hyped quite a bit in the preseason, will fall out of the Super 25 on Sunday.

I’m going to try and see two games tomorrow (as long as my minor dental emergency is cleared up quickly in the morning). First up is Lyons at Lincoln-Way East at 2:30. Not sure about the nightcap yet.

All kinds of action tonight so lets gets to it.

***

Friday’s top games

Dwight 64, South Newton, Ind. 57: Yep, I’m putting this one first. Who knows about Justin Fox? Mentioned him earlier this week. He scored 32 tonight. Amazing start to the season.

DePaul 61, Loyola 60: Really nice win for the young Rams. Big night for freshman Elliot Sieger with 24 points.

Benet 51, Notre Dame 45: Heard some good reports about the Redwings after this one. Sounds like they are right back in the mix of things, as expected. Jack Nolan and Liam Lyman each scored 15. I had some ND fans on my case this week, they thought they deserved a Super 25 ranking. I was certain they didn’t after seeing them against Loyola in the Chicago Elite Classic. The Dons are still coming together. They have plenty of talent and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them come together in time for a playoff run.

Naperville North 66, Wheaton North 65: The Huskies fell off the radar a bit after losing to Oswego East, but they are an experienced, quality team. This is a big step in the right direction.

Orr 69, Marshall 55: The Spartans get another big Red-West win, they face Marian Catholic on Sunday.

Zion-Benton 68, Lake Zurich 57: Heard some reports that the Zee-Bees were down this year. Maybe that is not the case.

North Lawndale 63, Westinghouse 62: Rough week for Westinghouse. The Red-West is just going to be a meat grinder this season.

Downers Grove South 65, Proviso East 54:Denis Alibegovic had 22 points, six assists and seven rebounds. TJ Clifford had 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Mustangs have talent, we need to keep an eye on them.

Thornton 64, Lincoln-Way West 58: Alonzo Verge had 30 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Orlando Allen scored 15.

Willowbrook 74, Addison Trail 51: Willowbrook just keeps winning.

Evanston 86, Niles West 61: Nojel Eastern scored 21.

Marist 65, Carmel 46: Morgan Taylor scored 19, Maurice Commander had 12.

St. Viator 70, Marian Catholic 69: Didn’t see this upset coming. Just a huge win for St. Viator.

Oak Park 65, Lyons 52: Jared Scott had 19 points, 12 rebounds.

St. Joseph 61, St. Francis 52: Chargers get a win. Marquise Walker scored 18 and dished out seven assists. Jason Towers scored 14.

Libertyville 75, Waukegan 71: Another upset. I guess the young Bulldogs aren’t ready for the Super 25 yet.