O’Brien: New-look Kenwood beats Young

Kenwood lost to Curie by just two points in the sectional title game last year. Broncos center Manny Patterson then had to sit back and watch the Condors go on to win the state title.

“That wasn’t great,” Patterson said. “It was a tight series with them last season.”

Aside from Patterson and David Hunt, most of that team has graduated. Kenwood has restocked with loads of talented young players and some transfers. The No. 8 Broncos knocked off No. 11 Young 67-65 in the Chicago Elite Classic at UIC on Saturday.

“It’s a huge deal for the program, to win on a big stage like this,” Kenwood coach Marlo Finner said.

Patterson, one of the state’s best uncommitted seniors, scored 16 and grabbed 14 rebounds.

“He worked really hard this summer, he’s focused,” Finner said. “He played well down the stretch and rebounded very well.”

Ocatvius Parker, a transfer from Niles West, scored 20 points. He was 6-for-11 from three-point range. It’s rare for anyone to play so well in their high-level Public League debut.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Finner said. “He shot well [last week] in Peoria. He has to figure out the Public League style defensively, the toughness. But he’s doing a good job overall.”

Bryson Langdon, a senior guard, had nine points and nine assists. RJ McGee, a 6-4 junior, flashed significant potential and finished with eight points for Kenwood (4-1).

“I know it is time for me to lead,” Patterson said. “I have to make sure we come out and play with a dog mentality.”

Lucas Williamson, another top-notch uncommitted senior, led Young (0-1) with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Boyd added 16 points and four assists.