Warriors stay in command, outscore Deerfield

For much of Tuesday's game against Deerfield, Maine West was clearly in control.

And even when Maine West wasn't quite as dominant, Deerfield was so far behind it didn't stand a chance as the Host Warriors won the Central Suburban North meeting 53-42.

"I've got to give the kids credit, they really came out and played the game well without having Brittany Begrowicz," said Maine West coach Derril Kipp of his team's effort despite missing the 5-foot-10 senior forward to tendonitis in the knee.

"(Begrowicz has) probably been our best player for the last three years. I think everybody stepped up and did a real nice job against a (solid) team."

The win puts Maine West at 7-2, 2-0 in the CSL North.

"Conference games are important," added Kipp. "We take a lot of pride in them. We wanted to win."

The first half belonged to Maine West, which led 31-10 at the half.

A lot of that offense came from sophomore Samantha Acosta (9 points) and Colleen Vana (14), who both made three 3-pointers before the break.

"Colleen Vana played her best offensive game of the year," Kipp said of the senior who added 7 rebounds. "That makes a big difference for us when she scores like that.

"Our seniors really stepped up. It was a total team effort. I have to give Ellen Coogan (5 points) credit, too. She's a sophomore (that) came in and got some early baskets."

Senior Mary Kusner was consistent on her way to 20 points and 10 boards for Maine West.

"I think we played a good three quarters," Kusner said. "In the fourth, we sort of fell apart. We should've won by 20."

Maine West did hold a 20-point lead for much of the second half, but Deerfield got pesky in the fourth quarter and outscored the hosts 25-15. Dani Ripkey (17) had 15 second-half points for Deerfield while Colleen Forrest added 12.

"I tried to play some other kids," said Kipp of the second half. "Plus, it was such a big lead the kids probably weren't as focused as they should've been."

But a win is still a win.

"I think we played pretty good, especially after the weekend -- we had two losses," Kusner said. "We had a good game. It was nice to be ahead like that."