Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Feb. 8, 2018

Some nights things just don’t work out. I didn’t know that Reggie Strong wasn’t playing for Farragut tonight. Not sure it would have made much of a difference in the final outcome, but the game would have been a lot closer if he had played.

The Admirals always play crazy hard. Down 20 points with a minute left the bench guys on the court were giving it their all like they had money on a 19-point spread. That’s why, when in doubt, I often choose to go watch Farragut.

Only one senior started for either team (Courtney Fields for Bogan) and only two played in the game. Read all about Bogan’s win over Farragut here.

The updated Public League playoff pairings are here.

Tonight’s top games

Orr 72, Lane 51: I thought maybe if Lane defended well and got really hot from three maybe it could give the Indians a challenge. Didn’t happen tonight. Raekwon Drake had 16 points and six boards for the Spartans.

Curie 57, UP-Englewood 49: Tremendous playoff run for UP-Englewood, clearly a very underrated team. Maurice Commander had 10 points and Marquise Walker added nine.

Kenwood 57, Lincoln Park 42: Wild one. According to @ilprepsinsider the game was called with 12 seconds to play and the teams were sent to the locker rooms without a handshake line. RJ McGee led the Broncos with 16 points and eight rebounds. Terrence Shannon scored 11 and grabbed 12 boards for the Lions. Appears Kenwood has found its stride.

Simeon 81, Corliss 51: The Wolverines cruise. Talen Horton-Tucker posted a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Kejuan Clements added 14 points and seven assists.

Uplift 92, Hyde Park 78: Markese Jacobs had a big night with 22 points and 11 assists. Junior DeAndre Vortes added 17. I was kind encouraged when I saw the Titans a couple of weeks ago against Leo. They lost, but had a spark. Could they possible give Simeon a game? Can anyone?

Young 88, Vocational 79: Another interesting score. The Cavaliers put up quite a fight. Javon Freeman had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Myles Baker added 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Morgan Park 86, Prosser 71: Respectable margin for Moon Robinson and Prosser. Nice to see a program on the rise. Ayo Dosunmu finished with 29 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Adam Miller scored 19 and Cam Burrell had 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Plainfield North 57, Romeoville 53: This one will have an impact in the Southwest Prairie. The Tigers assisted on 15 of 20 baskets.

Winnebago 74, Aurora Christian 65: The last remaining undefeated team goes down. Jake Wolfe scored 33 for the Eagles.

Larkin 60, St. Charles East 56: The Royals have now beaten St. Charles East twice this season and could be heading back into the rankings. This one was a big closer.