Michael O’Brien’s notebook: March 5, 2019

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Glenbrook South’s Dom Martinelli (32) shoots over Evanston’s Jalen Christian during their 68-60 loss in Skokie Tuesday, March 5, 2019. | Kevin Tanaka/For the Sun Times

It was a great sectional night in Blue Island. Bloom and Homewood-Flossmoor fans packed Eisenhower’s big gym and the teams played a high-tempo, ferocious game into overtime.

Heavy expectations have been heaped upon this group of juniors at Bloom. The win against Morgan Park in December amped things up to another level. I expect the community and the team will see this as a major disappointment.

The Blazing Trojans were just out of sync in the second half and couldn’t find a way to step up and win it at the end. The future is still bright in Chicago Heights though. Expect Bloom to enter the season at or near the top of the preseason rankings.

There appeared to be massive crowds at games all over the area. Please remember tonight, tomorrow and Friday’s crowds when we get to Peoria and everyone tells us that people just aren’t watching high school basketball anymore because of four classes.

Homewood-Flossmoor shocks Bloom in overtime: There are two excellent cliches available to describe Homewood-Flossmoor’s 64-61 overtime win against Bloom in the Class 4A Eisenhower sectional semifinals on Tuesday in Blue Island. The Blazing Trojans had already beaten the Vikings twice this season. That brings up the “it’s hard to beat a good team three times” cliche. Read the story.

Evanston avenges November upset, eliminates Glenbrook South: When Glenbrook South upset Evanston way back in the second week of the season, it looked “like they won the state championship,” in the eyes of Wildkits senior Jaheim Holden. On Tuesday, Holden made sure the upstart Titans didn’t actually win that title. The senior guard cashed out on four triples in the first half and finished with 18 points, leading No. 6 Evanston to an avenging 68-60 win over No. 25 Glenbrook South in front of a massive crowd at the Class 4A Niles North Sectional semifinal. Read the story.

Tuesday’s games

Bolingbrook 75, West Aurora 61: This one was close and then the Raiders pulled away in the end. Exactly how many times have I typed that in a notebook during Rob Brost’s time at Bolingbrook? Joseph Yesufu led the way with 23 points. Marquise Walker, who has had quite a high school career, led the Blackhawks with 20.

Oswego East 58, Waubonsie Valley 36: A little different from the first time these two teams met up a few weeks ago. The Wolves entered the season with a lot of hype, looks like they might be living up to it in the playoffs. RayJ Dennis had 18 points and eight rebounds and Demari Grant scored 14.

Geneva 54, Lyons 41: Jack McDonald scored 20 as the Vikings cruise. They are 31-1, a school record for wins in a season.

Curie 62, Riverside-Brookfield 53: This was closer than a lot of people expected. Ramean Hinton led the Condors with 19, Just Harmon scored 14 and Damari Nixon added 11 points. Patrick Hanley led the Bulldogs with 17 points.

Rockford East 51, St. Charles North 46: The North Stars fall. They will be an interesting team next season.

Stevenson 35, Deerfield 29: Yikes. Ugly score for a sectional game. I haven’t seen leading scorers for this one so all they get is that negative comment. Sorry, it is late.

Morgan Park 65, Mount Carmel 45: Following along on Twitter it seemed like the Caravan was able to keep it close for almost two quarters. Adam Miller scored 19 and Josh Redic led Mount Carmel with 16. This was a big season for the Caravan, first time they’ve been a factor in awhile.

Farragut 71, De La Salle 54: The Admirals just keep winning. They’ve been in the rankings most of the season but I get the feeling I’m still the only person that thinks they are good. It’s weird.

St. Viator 51, St. Patrick 39: Connor Kochera and Jeremiah Hernandez each scored 13 in this ESCC showdown. The Shamrocks dealt with some adversity this season but turned things around nicely. This sets up the sectional final matchup everyone wanted to see against DePaul Prep.

DePaul Prep 57, Carmel 46: Sophomore Tyler Johnson led the Rams with 20 points in a comeback win.

Burlington Central 77, Johnsburg 67: This game was back and forth but in the end Zach Toussaint and the Skyhawks go down. Toussaint scores 33 in his final high school game.

Rich Central 65, Ottawa 58: Upset. The Olympians were led by Tyrice Rogers with 18 points. Bryone Washington added 14 and Quarnell Johnson had 14 points and seven boards.

Corliss 60, Bureau Valley 45: Domination by the Trojans, who are heading to state. Dhashon Dyson scored 19 and Joseph Doyle had 12.

Orr 73, Leo 55: Greg Outlaw posted another big game with 22 points and seven rebounds. Terry Williams scored 16 and Sherif Kenney had 16 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Wow. The Spartans appear to just be on another level from the other 2A teams. It’s amazing how everything started to come together when Kenney arrived.

Providence-St. Mel 63, East Dubuque 53: The Knights are heading to Peoria. Well, on Thursday. Deion Jackson had 24 points and 10 rebounds and Tyriel Nelson scored 18. I’m sure this means a ton to the school (and I know it means a ton to Doug Hammer). Two wins from a title.

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