Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 7, 2017

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Fenwick’s Damari Nixon (4) saves the ball from going out of bounds against Proviso East. Worsom Robinson/ For Sun-Times

The battle of St. Charles was canceled, too many kids with the flu. So I headed over to Oak Park for Proviso East against Fenwick. Read all about it.

Pretty calm weekend overall but that is about to change. Several big games this week and then what is likely to be a jam-packed MLK schedule.

No Shot Clock teaser…In the upcoming episode Joe and I will only be discussing teams that have never been ranked this season. We figure everyone has heard enough about the hyped teams for awhile. Time to dive deep.

Saturday’s top games

Notre Dame 67, Grant 63: Almost went here instead of Fenwick but after the drives to Braidwood and Zion this week I decided to stay closer to home. Looks like I missed a good one. I believe Grant was ahead at the half. The Dons are now 12-3. Big game from Jeameril Wilson with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Matt Stritzel scored 21.

Simeon 80, Memphis Cordova 61: Evan Gilyard dropped 32. Kezo Brown had 18 and Messiah Jones added 12 points, 10 boards and four blocks. Jack Gleason brought up an interesting point tonight. Could the Wolverines go undefeated? Obviously running through the city and state playoffs is a massive task, but it doesn’t seem as unlikely as it should.

Lane 54, Maine East 47: Big numbers from Marques Barnes with with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. I’d like to get over to see Lane (and the new gym) soon.

Stevenson 75, Manual 43: A really nice win for the Patriots. Justin Smith scored 19 and Willie Herenton shot really well, scored 23 points

Curie 61, Columbus MS 40: Maybe the Condors have found their swagger again. They will need it at Kenwood on Tuesday. Terry Smith Jr. had 20 points. Allante Pickens hit five threes to score 17 and Elijah Joiner added 12 points and seven boards.

Hillcrest 72, Saginaw Arthur Hill MI 63: Marcus Garrett scored 32.

Muskegon, MI 68, Young 55: The Dolphins go down. Lucas Williamson scored 16.

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