Palatine’s girls basketball team remained in close pursuit of Fremd in the Mid-Suburban West chase as the Pirates posted a 54-43 victory over visiting Hoffman Estates on Friday.

Senior McKenzie Wiedemann (game-high 25 points) made 5-of-6 free throws and Nia Pappas 4-of-4 in the fourth quarter as Palatine improved to 18-5 and 5-2, a ½-game behind Fremd (5-1) in the West.

Sophomore Monica Masini chipped in 10 points for Palatine.

Hoffman’s Destinee Young recorded her fifth straight double-double. The Old-Dominion recruit scored 21 points with 11 rebounds and 4 assists in what coach Mike Nocella called an outstanding game.

Due to injuries, the veteran Hawks coach was without Becca Stoczynski, Selena Martinez and Emmarose Garret

“Destinee kind of carried us and a few other girls like Andrea Wolinski (9 points) and Mary Saitta (7 points) stepped up.” Nocella said.

Elk Grove 42, Wheeling 24: Diamond Boyd (15 points), Stephanie Solis (9) and Kelly Naughton (9) led host Elk Grove in the MSL East.

The Grens trailed 10-7 after one quarter but held the Wildcats scoreless in the second period while scoring 16 points.

Melissa Solorio chipped in 6 points for the Grens.

Wheeling (7-15,1-5) was paced by Elizabeth Smith and Brie Majkowski with 6 points apiece.

Maine West 53, Deerfield 36: Maine West coach Derril Kipp must have delivered quite a halftime speech.

The Warriors led only 28-25 at the break but outscored Deerfield 18-2 in the third quarter.

Senior Alexia Prosperi (16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds) and junior forward Brittany Collins (15 points, 10 rebounds) led Maine West in the Central Suburban North victory.

Erin Ross, Taylor Iaculla, Abby Herling each had a 3-pointer for the Warriors (7-12, 4-3).