Maine West fought an uphill battle Friday night but was unable to overcome Highland Park 45-42 in Friday's Central Suburban North boys basketball game in Des Plaines.

The Warriors (12-13, 5-5) were playing their second game without three-year starter and senior scoring leader Conor Hart (19.4 ppg), who needed to have arthoscopic surgery for his injured left knee.

Junior Tom Kukec scored all of his game-high 21 points on 7-for-17 shooting from 3-point range and Kevin Garcia added 8 points and two 3s as the Warriors lost their fourth straight. Jake Norcia led Highland Park with 15 points.