Michael O’Brien’s notebook: Jan. 5, 2019

The Highland Shootout took place tonight downstate. Belleville West, which is now 16-0, made a massive statement.

The Maroons beat St. Louis Vashon 77-72. Vashon was very impressive at the Chicago Elite Classic against Morgan Park.

And check out what EJ Liddell did…

Most observers considered Belleville West the favorite to win Class 4A this season and tonight’s win just cements that. Unless a Chicago-area team improves a great deal it is difficult to see anyone capable of stopping Liddell and the Maroons from repeating as champs.

Liddell had 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks. Keith Randolph added 15. Vashon’s stars are Mario McKinney and 6-7 Cam’Ron Fletcher. They are the two best players I’ve seen this season. They each scored 17.

Saturday’s top games

Memphis Wooddale 67, No. 9 Simeon 65: The Wolverines drop another one. Antonio Reeves had 28 points and eight rebounds.

No. 1 Curie, Muskegon (MI) 58: A nice rebound win on the road for Curie after losing last night. DaJuan Gordon and Justin Harmon scored 14 and Damari Nixon added 13.

No. 5 Morgan Park 80, Detroit Jesuit 52: Marcus Watson scored 26. Adam Miller and Isaiah Burrell each scored 16. This one was played at a junior high in Markham.

Farragut 58, Thornwood 46: Aaron Strong scored 21 for the Admirals.

No. 2 Bogan 88, Renaissance (MI) 66: Dominant win up in Detroit for the Bengals. Rashaun Agee had 26 points and 19 rebounds. Tiger Booker scored 12 and dished off nine assists. Sophomore Darrion Jones continued his strong recent play with 13 points.

No. 19 Uplift 77, Southfield Christian (MI) 32: A complete sweep for the three Public League schools in the shootout at North Farmington. Markese Jacobs scored 20.

Orr 82, Edison (MI) 46: Terry Williams led the way for the Spartans with 17 points. Orr may have started to turn the corner. They play at Young next week.

Alton 44, Maine South 35: The Hawks lose in one of the state’s historic gyms, the Dolph Stanley gym in Taylorville.

Northridge 58, Northtown 20: Ryan Menocal had 20 points and Sean Holohan added 16. Northridge is now 10-5.

No. 6 Young 74, Memphis Raleigh-Egypt 61: DJ Steward scored 23, Myles Baker 21 and Tyler Beard added 14.

St. Charles East 65, Batavia 59: Big win in the tri-cities. Chase Monkemeyer scored a career-high 22 for the Fighting Saints.

SATURDAY’S FULL SCOREBOARD