Hersey steps up, wins at Hoffman Estates

Hersey’s final game of the inaugural Hoffman Estates Thanksgiving tournament came in the school’s “back” gym.

When it was over, Hersey was well in front of its opponent, securing the title of the six-team round-robin.

The Huskies rolled to a 74-50 victory over Harlan (2-3) for a 5-0 record, giving coach Mary Fendley and her assistant Julia Barthel their best winning start in 16 years on the job.

With a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds, 6-foot sophomore Maggie Berigan became the fourth different leading scorer for Hersey this season.

Also reaching double figures was Morgan Harris (14 points), who scored 11 in the first half, including a 3-pointer.

“It feels good, “ said senior forward Renee Poulos (8 points, 7 rebounds), who was named to the all-tourney team along with Harris and junior Annie Korff. “We’ve really clicked early as a team. We have a lot of talent overall and we’ve got to bring it together when conference play starts.”

That talents comes from all classes.

Freshmen Kelly Weyhrich (7 assists, 3 steals), who was 8-of-8 at the free throw line, and Claire Gritt (9 points) have also been major contributors.

“I like the mix of younger and older players,” Poulos said. “We all come together at the end and that’s all that matters.”

Korff’s points all came in the first half.

“This mixture of players definitely gives us a lot of depth,” Korff said. “Our freshmen have already blended in. They know how to play the game and all our guards know how to get us the ball. We really owe it all to the guards because their assists have been fantastic.”

Junior Juliette Vainisi contributed 7 rebounds and 3 assists for the Huskies, who will visit Palatine on Tuesday.

Maine West 47, Hoffman Estates 42: This final game of the Hoffman Estes tournament featured two coaches with a combined 51 years of had coaching experience.

Maine West Hall of Famer Derril Kipp, in his 33rd season, watched his Warriors improve to 4-2 with the victory.

They were led by senior Brittany Collins (24 points, 13 rebounds).

Sophomore guard Monica Liwag hit a big 3-pointer in the final two minuets to give the Warriors the lead.

Erin Rioss, an all-tourney selection along with Collins, added 7 points and 3 assists for West while Kayla Pociejewski had 5 points.

Abbey Herling pulled down 5 rebounds with 4 steals and 3 assists.

Julia Huinker collected 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

“It was most definitely our best effort of the season,” said Hawks coach Mike Nocella, who was the head coach at Prospect for 11 seasons and is now in his seventh season at Hoffman.

“Yes, we would have liked to have won but it’s a learning process. The kids came in with a game plan and they executed it.”

Freshman Monraia Wilson, an all-tourney pick, led the Hawks (0-50 with 18 points, including 9-of-10 free throws. Classmate Maya Bowens scored all 6 of her points in the third quarter.

Teammates Andrea Wolinski, Mary Saitta and Erin Hanson each chipped in 4 points.

“With the exception of the last two minutes, I thought we held our composure real well,” Nocella said. “It was a good game. I am proud of my kids. It gives us hope for the future.”