Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 24, 2017

Fantastic atmosphere at Simeon tonight for the Battle of Vincennes. Morgan Park finally used their size advantage in a big game. It’s just the right time of year for the Mustangs to start asserting themselves.

The game was also solid proof that Simeon’s 19-point loss to Bogan wasn’t something to shrug off, which is what many people did for whatever reason. The Wolverines have lost themselves recently. The team was winning with chemistry as much as talent, and the ball just isn’t moving the way it was earlier in the season. I saw a lot of one-on-one today.

There was also a great showcase game in the south suburbs tonight. Bolingbrook and Joliet West had a standing room only crowd for their dunk festival. The Raiders started hot and stayed in control throughout. Joliet made some runs but was never really able to seriously threaten the Raiders.

I have to mention Joliet West’s Charles McKinney. What a game, the junior really showed some potential tonight.

Don’t miss this story on Belleville Althoff’s Jordan Goodwin. He’s having shoulder surgery so his high school career is over. If you are reading this notebook I’m sure you’ve watched him play in Peoria the past two years. Tremendous player.

Finally, I capped things off by getting banned from Crane. Coach Alonzo Crowder is apparently upset about something I said on the new episode of No Shot Clock (give it a listen). Crowder also claims that I “damaged things in the press” with Kahlil Whitney. Crowder was Whitney’s coach at Solorio last year. I was the only reporter that went to cover Solorio, I guess that was a problem…

Tuesday’s top games

Bolingbrook 84, Joliet West 74: Nana Akenten and Malik Binns each scored 20. Raiders are still undefeated, pass another big test.

St. Rita 61, Marist 59: Freshman Joel Watts wins it with a buzzer-beater. Marist guard Morgan Taylor was injured in the second quarter. The Mustangs are very young and very talented, could be a factor in March and will definitely be one of the area’s top teams next season.

Wheaton-Warrenville South 50, Wheaton North 30: Wheaton North is a good basketball team and look at that score. But I have a feeling there will still be people doubting the Tigers. I’m a believer.

Curie 57, Hyde Park 44: Solid win for the Condors.