Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Nov. 28, 2017

Really fun game tonight, I was rewarded for the long drive up to Johnsburg.

Skyhawks junior Zach Toussaint lived up to the billing. He was almost able to get to the basket at will, scored 32 points and had six assists and five rebounds. He shot 11 for 18. I was really impressed with his overall floor game and his passing ability.

Toussaint had the game in his hands in the final seconds, but Wheeling stripped it away. The Wildcats poked the ball loose from Toussaint, from behind, just past half court and came away with the steal.

Wheeling point guard Isaac Vega was fouled and made two game-winning free-throws with :0.5 seconds left to play. The Wildcats won 78-76.

Wheeling is feisty. The Wildcats led 40-34 at half. Johnsburg had a terrific third quarter and then led by seven with four minutes left. Wheeling senior DJ Godlweski drained a three with 3:24 to play to give the Wildcats a momentum lift and they muscled it out from there.

Junior Michael Best led the way for Wheeling with 26 points and seven rebounds. Senior guard Phil Bucko scored 20.

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Some really good news for the overall basketball scene today. Morgan Park is going to be at the Big Dipper this season. That really improves the field, gives the tournament a big shot in the arm. The Dipper is beloved and important and it is really great to see it turning things around.

Tuesday’s top games

Carmel 58, Crystal Lake South 41: The Corsairs have some potential this season, they are worth keeping an eye on. Class 3A isn’t exactly loaded and this team has some talent. Damone Williams-Gray lead the way with 18 points and Evan Myers added 14.

No. 23 Benet 64, Ridgewood 50: The Redwings cruise. Big matchup coming on Saturday against DePaul Prep.

Sandburg 56, Lemont 39: Interesting score. The Indians were off to a nice start this season and it looks like Sandburg handled them with ease. Sami Ismail scored 23 and Jack McNulty had 11.

Aurora Christian 80, St. Edward 57: Jake Wolfe is another player I need to check out this season. The Lipscomb recruit had a huge night with 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Hinsdale South 48, Andrew 42: Another interesting score. The Hornets squeak by Andrew. UPDATE: Hinsdale South was up 46-32 when they pulled the starters. Zion Griffin had 15.

Latin 71, Holy Trinity 40: Almost went over to this one. Latin has some intriguing talent this season.