Big win for Maine W.
Juniors Megan O'Neill and Sam Acosta each scored 15 points as Maine West's girls basketball team defeated host Highland Park 47-41 in the Central Suburban North contest.
The Warriors (11-7, 4-1) are now 1 game behind Deerfield (5-0) in the North and 1 game ahead of third-place Highland Park (3-2).
Ellen Coogan, yet another starting junior, enjoyed one of the finest games of her career, scoring 11 points with 9 rebounds.
"She really won the game for us with her play," said Warriors coach Derril Kipp. "This was the kind of play we need from her to win games. She shot the ball pretty well and had some good rebounds. We've been looking for that from her all season."
O'Neill scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half and pulled 10 rebounds.
Acosta made 6 of 6 free throws in the final quarter.
The Warriors will face Maine South next Tuesday in Park Ridge at 7:30 p.m. for a Sweet Sixteen contest.
"We needed this win to stay in the conference race," Kipp said. "We got off to pretty good start (15-7 lead) and led the entire game."