Bright outlook for young Maine West team

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Derril Kipp (35th season)

Last year's record: 8-20, 8-2

Graduated players: Michelle Fox

Returning players: Allison Pearson (5-7 So G), Monica Liwag (5-8 Sr. G), Catherine Johnson (5-9 So. G), Jordan Hart (5-11 Sr. G), Jamie Travis (5-10 Sr. F), Richa Patel (5-7 Sr. G), Kayla Pociejewski (5-8 Sr. G), Colleen Rice (5-11 Sr. F), Eliza Palarz (5-11 Sr. F), Ashley Burton (5-6 Jr. G), Jessica Riedl (6-0 So. F)

Newcomers: Rachel Kent (5-9 Fr. G), Liz Sanchez (5-6 Jr. G), Acacia Hernandez (5-7 Jr. G), Anne Lipinski (5-7 Jr F/G), Destiny Onyeise (5-11 So. F)

Outlook: One starter graduated. The one all-area player back is a sophomore. And a freshman will join the starting lineup. That's not a bad way for Maine West Hall of Fame coach Derril Kipp to begin his 35th season. When he says anyone can contribute scoring-wise, he means it. Pearson (11.5 ppg, 4.5 assists) is the returning all-area point guard, however, she is currently sidelined with a foot injury. Pearson, Liwag, Hart, Pociejewski, Johnson, Riedl and Sanchez all scored in double figures at least one time last winter. And Kent ranks among one of the most promising freshmen Kent has coached. "We have to improve on defense," said Kipp, who has won 777 games in his 34 past seasons and 26 CSL North titles. "One key is that we have more depth. We have more competition in practice and that makes everyone play harder." Pearson played hard as a freshman, earning all-area recognition with her 11.5 ppg and 4.5 assists as the point guard. "She played point guard all season so she has a lot of experience," Kipp said. "Monica (Liwag) tore her ACL early in the season so we get her back now for a full season. She will help at the point and wings and Catherine Johnson (career-high 24 vs. Deerfield) can play guard. So our ballhandling should be much improved." All-area softball standout Pociejewski, Hart and Riedl each had career-high games of 13 points last season. "This group doesn't have to look for one person to score," Kipp said. "It seemed like last year we started the season looking to get the ball to Brittany (Collins, who had graduated the year before as West's all-time leading scorer). We've just got to limit our turnovers which we made because of our lack of experience last year. We will be better at rebounding, too, so that should add to our offensive ability."