Maine West's Kipp nets 700th victory

The anticipation began late in the fourth quarter, when the outcome was no longer in doubt Friday night.

Many fans in the large crowd held up blue and gold placards with a certain number printed on them, and the chants of "700" grew stronger until they reached a fever pitch in Des Plaines.

And when the final horn sounded, the celebration began in earnest.

Maine West made sure there was no suspense Friday night as the host Warriors defeated Glenbrook North 43-30 to give coach Derril Kipp his 700th career victory in his first try at the milestone.

Senior forward Megan O'Neill scored a game high 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as Maine West (9-15, 6-2) took control with a 14-point run in the second quarter and never looked back.

Kipp, who is now 700-205 in 29 years at Maine West, joined Marshall's Dorothy Gaters, Fenwick's Dave Power and Galesburg's Evan Massey as the only girls coaches in IHSA history to win 700 career games.

"This is an emotional night for me," said Kipp. "Seven hundred wins is a great accomplishment, but it's not my accomplishment - it's all about the kids who play the game, the ones who are here tonight and also the ones that couldn't be here tonight."

Indeed, many former players, including some from his undefeated 1988 state championship team, were in the stands and joined the post-game festivities.

"He's given so much to all his players with his effort and passion," said Nancy Kennelly (Olson), one of the stars of the championship team.

Senior Samantha Acosta scored 7 points, while another senior, Ellen Coogan, contributed to the win with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

"We were nervous," said Coogan, "so we tried to treat this as just another conference game. But we knew what was at stake, and we really wanted to give Mr. Kipp this win. He's done so much for our program and girls basketball in general."

Second-year Glenbrook North coach Renee Brosnan, who played at rival Maine South, also saluted Kipp's accomplishment and impact.

"I really look up to him," Brosnan said. "He's truly making a difference in the lives of others."