Michael O’Brien’s high school basketball notebookon February 11, 2021 at 3:50 am

St. Rita’s new era began tonight. The Mustangs started three freshman, a sophomore and a senior.

No one will be surprised that the senior, Christian Henry, led the way with 23 points. Freshman Jaedin Reyna scored 10 and sophomore Kaiden Space added eight points. James Brown and Morez Johnson, the other two freshmen, flashed the potential that has earned them lofty rankings in their class.

Providence led most of the way. Things were tied early in the fourth quarter and the young Mustangs pulled it out in the end, which is very impressive for such a young team. I’m not sure the last time I saw three players making a high school basketball debut in the same starting lineup.

Sophomore Hampton Dauparas was a load in the post for the Celtics, finishing with 20 points.

I also kept an eye on the Joliet West-Romeoville game and saw the end of Lake Forest at Stevenson. It’s nice to get a bit of a look at a lot of different teams considering how short the season is.

Wednesday’s top games

No. 5 Mundelein 78, Vernon Hills 55: Conor Enright did a bit of everything with 20 points, six assists and six rebounds and Trey Baker scored 23.

Wheaton-Warrenville South 49, No. 25 Waubonsie Valley 43 OT: Tigers senior Jaylen Brown forced over time with a three-pointer and finished with 13 points.

Indian Creek 70, Hiawatha 31: The Timberwolves advance to the semifinals of the Little Ten Tournament. Cam Russell scored 21 and Drew Gaston added 14.

Maine South 82, Streamwood 58: The Hawks are 4-0. Marko Anderson led the way with 14 points, 16 rebounds and six assists and Sean Gallery scored 31.

Wheaton North 63, Sandburg 53: Connor Haake scored 25.

Riverside Brookfield 43, Glenbrook North 39: Junior JP Hanley had 11 and junior Joevonn McCottry added 10 to help the Bulldogs open the season with a win.

No. 9 Fenwick 75, Providence-St. Mel 35: Bryce Hopkins poured in 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Denium Juette had 13 points and five assists and Gabe Madej added 14.

No. 21 Lake Forest 48, Stevenson 42: Balanced scoring for the Scouts. Jack Malloy scored 12, Asa Thomas 11 and Cade Nowik 10. Evan Ambrose led Stevenson with 17.

Joliet West 41, Romeoville 37: Ashawn Burbridge made the key free throws and junior Skylar Crudup sealed the win with a dunk.

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