Scouting Maine West Warriors

Posted November 19, 2009 10:00 pm

By John Leusch

Maine West Warriors

Coach Derril Kipp (29th season)

Graduated players Margo Ehorn, Shaina Yalda, Kelsey Hargesheimer, Shaneese Nelson, Jessica Ollerer

Last year's record 17-14, 8-2

Returning players Amanda Hoye (5-5 So. G), Alli Ellwood (5-7 Sr. G), Amanda Ollerer (5-8 Sr. G), Samantha Acosta (5-7 Sr. G), Ellen Coogan(6-0 Sr. F), Megan O'Neil (6-0 Sr F).

Newcomers Courtney Insolia (5-8 Sr. G), Kelly Cerri (5-9 Jr. F), Stephanie O'Neil (6-09 Jr. F), Sara Johnson (5-10, Jr. F), Kaitlin Suerth (5-8 Jr G), Nicole Burkhardt (5-11 Jr. F), Katherine Kusner (5-9 Jr F), Carly Martin (5-7 Jr. G), Toni Dumitriu (5-8 Jr. G) Krystina Cook (5-6 Jr. G), Kayla Kennelly (5-10, Jr F), Amy Ksandr (5-5 Jr. G).

Outlook The Warriors return three starters _ Acosta, (15 ppg), O'Neil (15 ppg) and Coogan, who was the team's top defender. Ellwood will probably start at one guard and point guard Hoye will run the offense. Ollerer, who is in her second season on the varsity should be a top reserve. Top juniors are Kusner, Seary, Dimitri, Martin and Kennelly, who broke an ankle a few weeks ago and probably won't return until after Christmas. Last year's team lost six games in the last minute, including three in overtime. "We just couldn't get over the hump when game was on line," said Warriors Hall of Fame coach Derril Kipp, who has won 690 games in 28 seasons. "With the kind of experience we have back and the points these players can score, we should be a lot better in those situations." Kipp believes the Warriors need to be consistent, play better defense and rebound stronger than a year ago. Maine West is the favorite in the Central Suburban North while New Trier is the top choice in the South. "We haven't had two inside girls who have played as well inside as (O'Neil and Coogan) in a while," Kipp said. "At 6-0 and 5-10, they're not huge, but they know each other real well and play well together." Kusner, Hoye, Ollerer and Acosta are fast and can score points. Ellwood and O'Neal were the top scorers for the sophomore team two years ago.

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