After 12th-ranked Maine West scored only three points in the second quarter of Tuesday’s tip-off with No. 15 New Trier, the Warriors could have understandably focused exclusively on improving their offensive execution in the second half.
But Maine West (16-5) chose a different course. The Warriors simply cranked up their defense, holding the Trevians (15-6) to four points in the third quarter and five in the fourth and claiming a 40-30 Central Suburban crossover victory.
“We did a good job both controlling the tempo offensively and defensively in the second half,” said Maine West coach Derril Kipp.
Salena Miller (13 points) led a Maine West team that turned a 21-16 halftime deficit into a 30-25 lead at the end of three quarters.
Jessica Wurtzedach led New Trier with 11 points while Briana Fitzgerald chipped in 10.
Stevenson 48, Fenton 30: Tamika Catchings scored 18 points and blocked nine shots and her sister Tauja had 16 points as No. 1 Stevenson (22-1, 12-0) led 33-8 at the half and coasted in the North Suburban.
Elgin 62, West Aurora 40: Melissa Parker scored 17 and Leslie Schock added 16 as No. 5 Elgin (17-1, 9-0) stayed perfect in the Upstate Eight.
Loyola 58, Queen of Peace 31: No. 7 Loyola improved its record to 18-3 with a GCAC crossover victory. Kristin Santa led the Ramblers with 13 points.
Mother McAuley 90, Mt. Assisi 31: Cheri Buchanan’s 11 points led a balanced attack as No. 17 McAuley (16-5, 3-0) cruised in GCAC play.
Fenwick 58, St. Viator 40: Fenwick (14-9, 5-1) got 17 points from Michelle Canerday and 11 from Brenna Smith in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
Illiana Christian 75, Wheaton Christian 24: Jennifer Huizenga and Linda DeJong (10 rebounds) each scored 12 and Nicole Terpstra added 11 to lead Illiana Christian (20-0, 13-0) in the Private School League.
Immaculate Conception 51, IMSA 37: Laurie Zawila’s 31 points led Immaculate Conception (14-4) in non-conference play.
IHM 53, St. Francis de Sales 24: IHM (16-5) won behind Stephanie Christman’s 11 points.
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Latin 33, University High 28: Debbie Linn and Ali Goodyear each scored eight for Latin (9-5, 8-2) in the Independent League.
Lockport 56, Hinsdale South 34: Christine Johnson and Peggy Casey each scored 13 points to lead Lockport (15-7) to the non-conference victory.
Madonna 68, Mother Guerin 36: Joielle Brown scored 25 points and Traci McNamara had 15 as Madonna (13-7, 3-2) prevailed in the GCAC Central.
Timothy Christian 71, Luther South 9: Siiri Rimpila led Timothy Christian (15-3, 10-1) to the Private School League triumph with 13 points.
Warren 65, North Chicago 24: Janay Hanlin scored 14 and Julie Minuskin added 13 for Warren (15-3, 8-2) in the North Suburban.
Waubonsie Valley 49, Larkin 26: Courtney Call scored 11 points and Waubonsie Valley (15-6, 7-4) used a 16-6 run in the second quarter on its way to the Upstate Eight victory.