Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Feb. 2, 2018

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Rolling Meadows senior Gio Carrillio (3) dribbles down court against Prospect. Friday 02-02-18. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

The playoffs are going to be nuts.

It’s been a season of upsets, but Lockport knocking off Bolingbrook 70-60 for its seventh win of the season is something else. Congratulations to Brett Hespell and the Porters, what a win.

Junior Matt Hatzopoulos led Lockport with 25 points, he was 8-for-10 from the field. Junior Jacob Karli added 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

The Porters shot 26-for-41 from the field and 8-for-14 from three-point range.

I was out in Rolling Meadows to see the Mustangs take on Prospect. Freshman Max Christie had a rough game but the Knights were exactly as tough and hard-nosed as expected. Read all about it.

Friday’s top games

Hinsdale South 68, Willowbrook 63: I’ve been high on the Hornets all season. They haven’t been ranked in a while (up and down results like everyone else) but I like their potential. That was without Zion Griffin completely dominating. Looks like that is starting to happen. The Iowa State recruit had 39 points and 18 boards.

Evanston 76, Niles North 72 OT: Another close one between these two teams. The Vikings won in Skokie, the Wildkits win in Evanston. Jaheim Holden was 13-for-13 from the free-throw line down the stretch.

Marian Catholic 54, Carmel 50: Malik Tidwell led the Spartans with 24. Johnny Roeser had 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Corsairs.

Kankakee 53, Crete-Monee 47: The Kays are 14-5. No one is really talking about them, but this is a nice win over a solid team. Jacquan Binion and TJ Wicks each scored 11. Binion had six assists and Wicks 10 boards.

Foreman 60, Bulls Prep 57: What a night for Damari Hendrix. I’ve been meaning to go see him play again before the season ends. He scored 24 points and grabbed 12 boards.

Leo 89, St. Laurence 79: They were turning fans away at the door tonight at Leo. Things are red-hot on 79th street, the Lions have won nine consecutive games. Malcom Bell scored a season-high 26 points. DaChaun Anderson added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Geneva 53, St. Charles North 52: Oh look, another fun ending in the Upstate Eight. Jack McDonald hit the game-winner.

Marist 44, Notre Dame 37 OT: It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Dons are playing better in the second half of the season, they start two freshmen. But the RedHawks got the win.

Momence 74, Watseka 63: MOMENCE WATCH is heating up again. Watseka nocked off the Redskins earlier in the season. Lamar Lilard scored 31 and Woodrow Hubbard added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Wheaton-Warrenville South 53, Neuqua Valley 32: The Tigers cruise behind Jake Healy’s 20 points.

Bloom 79, Rich East 56: The young Blazing Trojans pick up a win. Dante Maddox scored 27 and Keshawn Williams added 17. Donovan Newby is back from his injury, he scored 13.

Shepard 64, Evergreen Park 55: Chris Harrison scored 34 to lead Shepard, which is 14-6 and 7-3 in conference.

Hillcrest 66, Lemont 62: Looks like this was a fun one. Robert Harvey scored 20 and Jalen Hughes added 15. Big man Paul O’Leary scored 17 for Lemont.

Joliet Central 63, Oswego 38: Don Joachim continues his strong play for the Steelmen, who are still unbeaten in the Southwest Prairie. He scored 22 and Cam Blackmon added 17.

Homewood-Flossmoor 47, Lincoln-Way East 44: The Griffins fall to H-F again. It was closer this time. RJ Ogum scored 13 for the Vikings.

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