Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Dec. 9, 2018

Leo’s early-season coaching controversy doesn’t appear to have thrown the team off course one bit.

The Lions knocked off Bloomington, one of the state’s best Class 4A teams, 65-64 in the Team Rose Shootout on Sunday at Mount Carmel.

“It just shows how strong our team is,” Leo guard Fred Cleveland said. “Ever since coach came in we’ve been working real hard.”

Leo grad Jamal Thompson replaced Shawn Frison as coach on Nov. 28 after assistant coach Fred Cleveland Sr. accused Frison of punching him.

“When all the stuff was going on, everyday we just told each other to stay together as a team and don’t let the outside stuff determine how the rest of our season will go,” Cleveland Jr. said.

Cleveland Jr. had 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. DaChaun Anderson, a 6-8 senior, scored the game-winner with two seconds to play on an assist from his younger brother Kendale.

“Coming back to the school I grew up at is a dream come true,” Thompson said. “I want the best for this group of guys. They welcomed me in with open arms.”

DaChaun Anderson finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds matched up against SIU recruit Chris Payton, one of the state’s most athletic players.

“It was very challenging, Anderson said. “I wanted to show him I could keep up with him, he’s a great player.”

Kenwood 58, Hillcrest 53: Another good game. Artese Stapleton scored 16 and junior big man Seryee Lewis added 15. Dylan West had 21 for the Hawks.

Bloomington 34, Leo 28 halftime: Fred Cleveland and co. started hot but endured a brutal second quarter. The Purple Raiders dominated during a 17-2 run. Cleveland has 10 points, DaChaun Anderson 12. Chris Payton, an SIU recruit, has 10 for Bloomington.

Downers Grove North 63, Oswego 59: The Panthers gave Downers Grove North a good challenge but fell short. The Trojans still look very good in spurts. It will be interesting to see if they can start to string it together consistently. Eddie Boston scored 19, Sema’j Henderson added 17. Dylan Engler played very well for Oswego and scored 22.

Romeoville 57, Mount Carmel 47: The Spartans win the early game and are still unbeaten. Noah Ferrell scored 18 and Destin Whitaker added 16. Will Mendez led the Caravan with 12 points.

Oak Park 59, Orr 53: The Huskies trailed by ten points late but seemed to pick up steam after a technical foul called on them. Charlie Hoehne scored 17 and point guard Dashon Enoch had 13. Terry Williams led Orr with 21.

Curie 76, De La Salle 53: Th Condors roll behind 15 points from DaJuan Gordon. CJ Benton led De La Salle with 17.

It has been a very long weekend so I’m going to let Joe handle today’s other game of note: