Michael O'Brien: The greatest thing about high school basketball is the glimpse into the future it can provide. The truly special players deliver shocking highlights—moments of NBA All-Star quality talent—and they do it just inches away from you for a $3 price of admission.
Brandon Spearman turned in yet another memorable performance, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds to lead Simeon past Young 51-36 Saturday in the Class 4A state title game at Carver Arena in Peoria. It's the Wolverines' third state title in five seasons.
Senior Nick Oden came up with a big defensive rebound and knocked down two free throws with 8.2 seconds left to help Hillcrest secure a 58-55 win over Peoria Richwoods on Saturday in the Class 3A state championship game at Carver Arena.
Jereme Richmond rounded out his Waukegan career in fashion as the Bulldogs cruised to an 85-78 win over O'Fallon the Class 4A consolation game Saturday night at Carver Arena. The senior forward had a season-high 36 points and 16 rebounds.
Vincent Garrett regained his stride on Saturday afternoon by scoring a team-best 19 points and ripping down 13 rebounds as Marshall used its depth and two dominant second-half runs to blitz Champaign Centennial 73-59 in the Class 3A third-place game at Carver Arena.