Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Feb. 10, 2017

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Solorio’s Jorell Jones (2) gets trapped by Hubbard’s Shawn Marlow (1) and Aiqujuan Bates (5). Worsom Robinson/ For the Sun-Times.

Sometimes it takes two games to really get a feel for a team. That’s definitely the case with TF North this year. I’m not totally sure what I just saw. They were better than I expected.

The Meteors made their way into the rankings because they just kept winning, couldn’t keep them out. It was good to finally get a look. They are essentially the same team I saw last year, but everything has been raised a notch. They play hard and make opponents uncomfortable, that much is for sure. Read all about the Meteors’ big win against Hillcrest.

Friday’s top games

Zion-Benton 73, Waukegan 70: The Zee-Bees win in the Dog Pound. Rod Henry-Hayws led the way with 25, Demarquis Henry scored 21.

Harvest Christian 65, Providence-St. Mel 54: This is a nice win. I wrote about Harvest Christian back at the start of the season. They have lived up to all expectations and should make a charge at the Class 1A state title. Brennen Woods had 15 points, 15 rebounds and six steals.

Stevenson 58, Libertyville 47: The Patriots win behind Justin Smith’s 26 points and Willie Herenton’s 23.

Geneva 74, St. Charles East 56: Another test passed. The undefeated Vikings win the Upstate Eight River, which is one of the area’s best basketball conferences.

Bolingbrook 57, Homewood-Flossmoor 46: The Raiders also pass a huge test, winning on the road against the Vikings. Malik Binns had 15 points and seven rebounds. Nana Akenten added 13 points and eight boards.

Bloom 47, Rich South 32: We shouldn’t forget about the Blazing Trojans. They went through a bit of a rough patch, but they showed over the holidays that they are very dangerous. Tramail Mcray had 10 points and seven assists and Austin Richie scored 19. Bloom and Thornton play on Tuesday.

Thornton 79, Andrew 66: Alonzo Verge dropped 35.

Wells d. Clark: The Raiders win the Blue-West. Junior Antwone Lampkin scored 43, his second 40+ game of the week.

Dwight 67, Iroquois West 42: FOX WATCH is still on. Justin Fox scored 31 tonight. He broke 33 the other night as well.

Niles North 64, Niles West 61 OT: Big rivalry win. Jamal Stephenson scored 16 and Damaria Franklin added 16 points and 11 rebounds. Julius Francellno hit two three-pointers in the last minute of overtime, the first to tie and the second to take the lead by 3 with :04 left.

Lakes 74, Round Lake 54: Third consecutive win for Lakes. Ian Haflinger set the school record for points with 42.

Marist 46, St. Viator 37: Big, big ESCC win. Everyone knows how dangerous the Lions can be.

Minooka 61, Romeoville 48: Remember what Scott Tanaka said about Jon Butler earlier this week? Butler is backing it up, he scored 37.

Stagg 53, Lincoln-Way East 49: Josh Strama and John Contant each scored 15.

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