Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Feb. 22, 2017

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Fremd’s team holds up the trophy after winning the Mid Suburban League. Worsom Robinson/ For the Sun-Times.

Fremd pretty much sold me the first time I saw them this season. It was the first win against Conant. The Vikings were clearly a beat or two ahead the rest of the area when it came to teamwork and cohesion.

Then I wavered a bit the second time I watched them (another win against Conant). I’m not exactly sure why, something about that game made me doubt them a bit.

Well, I’m back on board. It was a terrific performance tonight on the road against Prospect, a very good team. I didn’t think the 2014 undefeated Fremd team had a shot to do a whole lot in the playoffs, but I think this version does.

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Wednesday’s top games

Wheaton-Warrenville South 38, Naperville North 35: WW South is the other Cinderella story of the season. The Tigers pull out another win.

Hinsdale Central 54, Hinsdale South 49: The West Suburban has been a bit wacky this year, but the Red Devils have been pretty consistent over the second half of the season. I wouldn’t want any part of them in the playoffs.

Harvest Christian 72, Dakota 49: One of the area’s Class 1A state title hopes cruises to a playoff win. Brennen Woods had 27 points, 16 rebounds and four steals.

Waukegan 55, Lake Forest 47: The Bulldogs are 18-8 and on a roll again. Carson Newsome scored 16 and grabbed six boards and Bryant Brown put up a double-double with 13 and 11.

Phoenix 64 Tilden 55: Greg Boyle scored 31. Phoenix will face Collins for a regional title on Friday.

Notre Dame 67, St. Patrick 63: Matt Stritzel led the Dons with 25, they are finishing the season strong. The Shamrocks are heading in the opposite direction and word is that Alton Thompson is no longer at the school.

Stevenson 76, Warren 35: The Blue Devils have been giving good teams fits for the past couple months so that margin of victory is worth appreciating. Justin Smith had 32 points and 15 poards and Willie Herenton scored 19. Appears Pat Ambrose may have Stevenson clicking just in time for a March run.

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