Maine West passes first test of the season to remain undefeated

By: Luke Drase

Coming into Tuesday night’s contest against GBS, Maine West have won their previous five contests by an average of over 50 points.

So when Glenbrook South only trailed Maine West by two points midway through the second quarter, the Warriors were forced to face their first real test of the season. A test the promptly passed with a 19-1 run.

Maine West would go on to beat GBS 60-35, keeping their perfect record intact, while handing the Titans their first loss of the season.

“GBS is a very talented team. Well coached, great players and great shooters.They brought intensity that we haven’t seen so far this season,” said Maine West head coach Kim deMarigny. “The girls adjusted well, when they had a chance to fold they decided they didn’t want to, we had some foul trouble but good teams have to figure out a way, and we did that.”

It took halfway through the first quarter for Maine West to find their footing as GBS’ game plan of playing tough, physical defense on the Warriors kept their offense in check.

Maine West would eventually play themselves into the game with their own defensive pressure. Four straight turnovers forced by Maine West’s defense led to plenty of run outs that jump started the offense, to give them an early 12-3 lead.

However, the Maine West offense went cold yet again. GBS cut the Maine West lead to just two points midway through the second quarter, before the Warriors made their impressive run.

With time winding down in the first half, Alisa Fallon put an end to the stagnant Warriors offense by driving to the basket to score six of her game high 17 points in the second quarter, giving the Warriors a 25-15 halftime lead.

Maine West would continue to pile on the points after halftime, extending their lead to 20 after an Angela Dugalic (6 points, 10 rebounds 3 blocks) three point play.

GBS would eventually settle back in and make the game slightly interesting in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to just nine points at 39-30, but Catherine Johnson put any chance of a GBS comeback to bed with five straight points to essentially seal the game for Maine West.

“This was the first game our starters really played a complete game. In my opinion, they’re not really conditioned to play 32 minutes and that’s my fault.” said coach deMarigny. “I think as time goes by, they’re going to be able to adjust to the intensity level. They’re going to face this every single night, everybody is going to bring that intensity and we have to adapt.”

Even with a lack of game time by the Maine West rotation, they Warriors still finished the game strong to take the 60-35 win and improve their record to 6-0 on the season.

Alisa Fallon finished with a game high 17 points and 4 assists, Catherine Johnson added 13 points, with 7 coming in the fourth quarter, and Rachel Kent chipped in with 12.

Maine West will start the CSL North season on Friday with an away game against GBN, while GBS will face Niles West in their first CSL South matchup.