Kusner doesn't forget in happier return

Maine West's Mary Kusner did not forget her last girls basketball game in Northbrook.

Glenbrook North would like to forget her final high school visit Wednesday.

One year after Kusner fouled out and did not score in an 11-point loss at Glenbrook North, the 6-foot senior forward returned to the Spartans' floor and poured in a game-high 18 points to lead her team to a 49-28 triumph.

It was the Central Suburban League North Division opener for each team.

Last year, Glenbrook North handed the Warriors their only loss in the division.

"We didn't want to be embarrassed again like last year," said Kusner, who recorded West's first 3 baskets on 2 assists from Colleen Vana and one from Erin Baumstark. "I personally had a point to prove since I was pretty horrible here last year. And as a unit, we wanted to prove we were not the same team."

The Warriors (6-0) began proving their point early.

After Kusner got them rolling inside, West went outside with four 3-pointers in the first half.

Two were by Samantha Acosta (10 points, 5 steals) while Baumstark and Colleen Vana (5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 points) had the others.

"Maine West is fun to watch," said Spartans third-year coach Michael English. "They get the ball inside, they knock it outside and they have good shooters. That makes them tough."

West led by as much as 24-7 before Glenbrook North climbed back to within 11 points by half.

The Warriors led 32-21 when they went on an 8-2 run to close the third quarter. They received three more baskets by Kusner and 2 free throws by Brittany Begrowicz (9 points, 3 rebounds).

"Mary was more focused than last year and we were more focused getting her the ball inside," said Warriors coach Derril Kipp, who notched career win No. 650 against 183 losses in 27 seasons. "And Brittany also did a great a job at the high post and getting the ball down to Mary."

Kusner also blocked 4 shots and grabbed 3 rebounds.

"That No. 25 (Kusner) is awesome," English added. "They're a good team and very well-coached. They really exploited our (small) size inside."

Glenbrook North (3-3) was led by senior forward Jessica Ponticelli's 11 points.

"Their (Glenbrook North) trapping defense is something we had trouble with last year," Kipp added. "And we know Marian Catholic (No. 3 in Class 4A) can do the same thing so this was good chance to work on it for Saturday when we play them (2:30 p.m. at Maine West)."