North Chicago senior guard Aaron Simpson’s 31-point first-half performance on Tuesday was one of the more impressive scoring feats I’ve seen in some time.

It got me thinking about other big-time scoring games I’ve witnessed in person. I’m sure I’m missing plenty of games (Sherron Collins, Patrick Beverley, Jereme Richmond, Ryan Boatright, etc), but these were the ones that came to mind off the top of my head.

Ronnie Fields’ 51 points at Proviso West in 1995: It was a morning game, but Fields and Farragut were more than ready to perform against Loyola. Fields put on a show for the packed crowd and scored in every way possible. With it being Fields, of course, he threw down a few thunderous dunks, including leaping over a defender, to the crowd’s delight.

Derrick Rose vs. Evan Turner in 2007: Rose and Turner went head to head in the City-Suburban Showdown. Rose and Simeon came out on top over Turner and St. Joe’s. Rose had 29 points and five assists. Turner had 29 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. There was even a little trash-talking in this game. Rose would later be the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA draft, and Turner was the No. 2 pick in the 2010 draft.

Dave Telander’s nine 3-pointers vs. Hales in 2004: Brother Rice’s Dave Telander was unconscious from outside on this night. He drained nine 3-pointers and scored 39 points in a 83-73 win before a standing-room-only crowd at Brother Rice. Hales’ Nate Minnoy and Mike Robinson combined for 51 points in the loss.

Jon Scheyer’ 35 points at state in 2005: Scheyer had some bigger scoring games, but this one was memorable because it was against Brother Rice’s Bobby Frasor and it was in the state quarterfinals. Scheyer had 35 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in Glenbrook North’s win. Glenbrook North would go on to win the state championship.

Brett Nishibayshi’s 39 points in my first game as a journalist in 1996: I began writing for Norwood Park’s Pioneer Press as a high school senior in 1996. My first assignment was to cover Taft against Lane. Taft senior 5-foot-4 guard Brett Nishibayashi made it a memorable day. He crossed up defenders, nailed 3-pointers and knocked down floaters. When he was done, he had 39 points, and I had my first story to write.