Michael O’Brien’s notebook: March 8, 2019

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Young’s DJ Steward (21) gets a fast break for a dunk against Curie, Friday 03-08-19. Worsom Robinson/For the Sun-Times.

A brawl broke out in the final minute of the Class 3A sectional final between Farragut and North Lawndale on the West Side on Friday.

The Illinois High School Association released a statement that both schools have been disqualified from the state playoffs and that DePaul Prep will not have to play a super-sectional game and will advance to the state semifinals. Read the story…

Curie 53, Young 51

Damari Nixon swished home a three-pointer with two seconds left to give Curie a 53-51 win against the Dolphins in the Class 4A Proviso West Sectional final on Friday in Hillside.

“The play wasn’t designed for me, it was supposed to get [Hamilton] going to the basket,” Nixon said. “I knew it was money before I even released it.” Read the story…

Simeon 58, Homewood-Flossmoor 43

Antonio Reeves scored 18, Ahamad Bynum added 12 and Simeon held the Vikings to 28.6 percent shooting in the Eisenhower Sectional final. The Wolverines, against all odds and expectations, are back in the super-sectionals for the fifth consecutive year. Read the story…

Other Friday games

Bolingbrook 66, Oswego East 64: You have to imagine the Raiders’ playoff experience played a huge factor in this one. Joseph Yesufu scored 16 and Tyler Cochran had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Demari Grant, a Bolingbrook transfer, led the Wolves with 19 points. Valiant effort by Oswego East.

Geneva 75, Downers Grove North 70: Jack McDonald scored 29 as the Vikings just continue to beat everyone in their path. Huge game from DGN’s Trey Boston with 35 in the loss.

Evanston 56, Loyola 42: Jaylin Gibson really stepped up in this one. The soph had 20 points and six rebounds. Jaheim Holden added 12 points and four assists.

DePaul Prep 62, St. Viator 53: Possibly the only upset of the night. Perry Cowan scored 21. Two months ago I thought the Rams were a serious Class 3A title contender, then I wasn’t so sure. Tommy Kleinschmidt has clearly got them back on track. Huge win for the program.

Stevenson 56, Waukegan 41: Wow. A really young Patriots squad goes into the Dog Pound and beats a senior-led Waukegan team by 15. That’s crazy impressive.

Bogan 85, Morgan Park 78: Senior Jordan Booker was phenomenal with 30 points. Antione Bloxton added 20. Huge playoff win, huge rivalry win for the Bengals. The Mustangs’ streak of Class 3A titles ends.

Orr 83, Corliss 50: The Spartans dominated the second half of the Class 2A state semifinal and will play for their third consecutive state title tomorrow night. Terry Williams had 21. All-Area guard Tujautae Williams had 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Greg Outlaw scored 15 and Sherif Kenney added 11 points, nine assists and five boards. Orr will be heavy favorites tomorrow.

Glenbard South 42, Burlington Central 38: Our local Class 3A Cinderella rolls on.

Normal U-High 61, Rich Central 48: Terrific playoff run by the Olympians comes to an end.

Providence-St. Mel 66, Triopia 41: Dominant second half from the the Knights. Deion Jackson scored 20. St. Mel will face Cissna Park in the Class 1A title game on Saturday at 1.

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