It took 76 years
but...
Super! Super! Super! Super 6 5 - 6 4 ! by Sue Rebedeau For the first time in the 76-year history of the Maine Township high schools, a Maine basketball team will be playing in the state finals downstate. The miracle 65-64 victory Tuesday afternoon against the New Trier West Cowboys made Maine South one of the "elite eight" teams that will compete for the state championship. Was it luck or skill? The Hawks have won too many times — 14, to be exact — by less than three points for it to — be just ludc. The skill of Dan Fiddler and the rest of the team won the game. The first half of the game was dominated by sloppy ball handling and fouls. At the end of the second quarter, the Cowboys led by a score of 37-28. The Hawks came out of the locker room ready to kill. Baker scored two cmisecutive baskets. However, New
Trier West still dominated the third quarter and the scoreboard showed 5144 in favor of the Cowboys at the end of the quarter. The game turned around for the Hawks' advantage during the fourth quarter. The Cowboys' lead gradually dwindled to two points when Theodore made a layup, putting the score at 60-58, NTW's Alter came back with an &-foot jumper but Fiddler did not stand by watching the team lose (tie chance of going downstate. He made a 6-foot jumper with the clock at 2:33 and then, at one minute to go, he made another stuff, tying the score at 62 aU. Tom Franz made a 6-foot baseline jumper at 0:40 but Theodore put in a free throw. Fiddler rebounded his own 15-foot jumper shot winning the game and sending the Hawks to downstate Champaign for the state championships.
Coach Sullins' lifeline by Janet Shamllan What made the Hawks one of the elite eight teams that will play downstate today? Certainly hard woric, talent and dedication, but part of the reason is undoubtedly the excellent coaching of Mr, Quitman Sullins. Sullins has led this year's team to conference, regional, sectional, supersectional champic»iships, and a record of 28-1. But the Hawks aren't the only ones with an impressive record. Mr. Sullins has one all his own. Coach Sullins was bom in Tupelo, Miss. He lived on a farm there until, at the age of nine, the family moved to Arkansas. During high school he played basketball for the Luxore Panthers. The team advanced to the semi-finals of the State Tournament, and Sullins was named an All-Stater and elected to the Ail-American Team. In his senior year, Sullins represented the southern United Statra in the NorthSouth Basketball Game. "Basketball was in his bones," as they say. Mr. Sullins continued playing the sport he loves at .Murray State in Murray, Ky. Mr, Sullins was named AllConference player for two years in a row while majoring in physical education. Following college, he went into management training at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. During this time, he played on the company's team, traveling all over the world for two and a half years. Soon after, Mr. Sullins played for the Pittsburgh Rens in the American Basketball League. When the league folded a year later, he turned to coaching. Mr. Sullins first coached at Daugren, Illinois. From there, it was back to Blytheville, Arkansas, w*iere he coached at GosheU High School for three years. Finally, Mr. Sullins came to the Home of the Hawks in 1968. For five years, Sullins was assistant coach under Mr, Bemie Brady. In his first year at South, the team made it to the supers, Sullins has been head coach for five years. He has led the Hawks to three
Happy Hawks express their appreciation after capturing the regional championship in a game against Gordon Tech. South milked the "Goats" by scoring 78 points opposed to the Rams' 66.
.1
conference championships (taking second place in the other two years), four regional championships, one sectional and one supersectional championship. "When a team can come from behind, time after time and win, that's the mark of a championship team! You have to be smart, you have to be disciplined and you have to work!" said Coach Sullins.
southwords Vol. 15, No. 10
Maine South H.S., Park Ridge, III.
Fairy tales can come by Scott Erickson During the fall of last year, comments like, "the Hawks will do it this time," and "we're going downstate this year" were merely dreams of a few loyal fans. Most people who know anything about the team were aware of its great potential, but back then it was a long, hard climb. Now, the end of March is approaching
and the climb is just about complete. The dream of competing at the state finals has become a reaUty. But competing at the finals and being named state champs are two separate honors. Three tough battles lay ahead of the Hawks before they are really number one. Today at 1:45 the Hawks will meet De La Salle, who were victorious over Barrington 65-62 Tuesday and who fell to
Hawks wallop Elk Grove byJohnKlages'80 The Maine South Hawks captured the Class AA Arlington Sectional Title Friday by defeating the Elk Grove Grenadiers, 70-65. Jeff Baker led the Hawk attack with another outstanding performance fro the baseline, scoring 27 points, Chris Theodore, 14 points, and Dan Fiddler, 14 points, did a fantastic job on the boards. Jay Huyler's consistent passing and 10 assists enabled the big men to manipulate through Elk Grove's matchup zone. The Hawks trailed the well-disciplined Grenadiers 34-29 at the half after missing several key free throws and losing a 7point lead early in the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Hawks had decreased Elk Grove's lead to a single point, 51-50. Two turning points late in the fourth quarter turned the momentum in the Hawk's direction. Mark Angellotti, who finished the year as Elk Grove's top
rebounder, fouled out with three minutes left. In contrast, the Hawks controlled their threatening foul situations as their starting front line all had three fouls late in the game. The fantastic coaching of Mr. Quitman Sullins was also a key to the game as he forced the Grenadiers into crucial turnovers by playing a scrappy man-to-man defense with double and sometimes triple teaming on the man with the ball. After converting valuable baskets, attributed to the Hawk defense with double and sometimes triple teaming on the man with the ball. After converting valuable baskets, attributed to the Hawk defense, John Crowl iced the game by swishing two free throws with only six seconds left on the clock to insure another Hawk victory and advancing them to the supersectionals.
Third time lucky for Hawks by Tom Numyrch '81 Although the Hawks' victory against New Trier West marks the first time any Maine Township basketball team has been sent downstate for the state championships, it is the third time the Hawks have made it as far as the supersectionals. However, in the other two seasons, 1969-70 and 1974-75, the Hawks were unsuccessful in going beyond the supersectionals to play downstate. The first team to make it to the supersectionals was in 1969-70. The starting five were: Mike Bonk, guard; Jim Williams, guard; Greg Schmelzer, center; Mike Nevens forward and Bob Newlander, forward. The second team to make to the Supers was in 1974-75. The starting five wwe: Joe Pagone, guard; Ted Henderson, guard; Pete Boesen, center; Mike
Chirzan, forward and Bob Kuntz, forward. The 1969-70 team had 19 wins and 2 losses going into the regionals. They took that tournament with a win over Maine West. 67-45., They then had 22 wins and 2 losses going into sectional play where they defeated Notre Dame 73-71 in the finals. The game against Joliet Central in supers^rtionals was next, the Hawks losing 71-68. JoUet went on to win third in the state tourney. The team ended their season with 24 wins and 3 losses. The 1974-75 Hawks won regionals by beating St. Patrick 4342. They had 21 wins and 3 losses going into sectional play. Maine South beat Prospect 70-56 to win the Sectional. The team then played Waukegan East in the supers again at McGaw Hall, losing a 5(H1 game.
Basketball Extra
Jeff Baker sets (or a jump shot from the corner at the Hawks away game against Glenbrook South on January 26. (photo by Loy She(lott)
March 23, 1979
true... the Hawks in their first meeting earlier this year during the Christmas tournament. "In our first game against De La Salle, they were not at full strength," said Mike Twomey, team statistician. "They were hurt by the loss of Mike Williams, who had suffered an ankle injury. But he'll be back this game along with other De La Salle super-stars. Demetrius Brown, Darrell Allen, and John McHale." If the Hawks can handle E>e La Salle their next game would be tomorrow at 12:15 against either East Moline or East St. Louis. East Moline entered the state finals by beating Peoria Central, 69-61. East St. Louis advanced by beating Effingham, 71-59. These two teams wiU play game one today at 12:15. The next game the Hawks could play would be the championship game tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. If the team can make it this far, they will play one of four other teams. Quincy will play Manley and the winner of that game will play the winner of the Benet Academy-Lockport game. Whoever wins this game will go onto the championship. Quincy, the only undefeated team in the state, won their trip downstate by beating Joliet Catholic, 47-46 last Tuesday, "They are a fairly short team, but extremely quick," said Mike Twomey. "The man to look for on Quincy is Keith Douglas. He's six foot two and super fast. He was also named to the All-State team. Manley is another contender for ttie state championship. Manley beat Westinghouse for the Chicago Public League championship two weeks ago. Manley's main man is six foot nine junior Russell Cross. "He can almost dunk without jumping," said Mike Twomey. The other two contendere are Lockport and Benet Academy. Lockport beat Bloom last Tuesday in the most unbeUevable upset of Uie super sectionals. Lockport, who is the defending state champion trounced Bloom 43-20. Benet Academy also looks like a tough competitor. Benet's star player is M&e Lang, "Mike Lang is huge. He is six eight and weighs over 230 pounds. But the amazing thing is that he can jump extremely high and he is very agile," said Mike, "I'm sure they'll give Lockport a good game. Whoever makes it to the championship game will be the best teams in the state. But whatever happens, there is one thing that all students at South should remember. The Hawks have gone further than any other Maine Township team and we should all be proud to have such an excellent team at our school.
Hawks prove to be statistically fantastic
Chris Theodore looks at the scoreboard with disappointment as the Hawks are handed their only loss of the season on January 26. The final score was Glenbrook South 77 and the Hawks 75. (photo by Loy Shetlott)
byGar)'HaUer'81 The Maine South Hawks have shown, through their fine record of 27 wins and 1 loss, that teamwork is the key to success. The team has a total of 2039 points for the season which is an average of 72.8 points per game. Broken down they have a total of 829 rebounds, 405 free throws, and 817 baskets as of March 19. Team work has helped the Hawks through 13 games which they won by five points or less. Three of these games were by one point, six by two points, two by three points, one by four and one by five points. Team work all the way. Jeff Baker '79 has played in all 28 games and has a season total of 728
Jay Huyler '79
John Crowl '79
SUPER GUARDS
Girls have disappointing loss by Sheryl Mooney '80 Winning basketball seems to be the "in" thing these days as Maine South's girls' were enroute to their most successful season in the three years of state competition. Our Hawks defeated East Leyden, 7057 last week at Maine East to capture the regional title and advance to sectionals. However, in the first round of sectional play, the girls were defeated by Niles West, 69-55, to end their season with a 1511 record. Coach Mike Deines felt that their record doesn'r reflect how well the team has been playing. "Our record was once at 3^," Coach Deines pointed out. "But aJfter the snowstorm, the girls got it together." At Tuesday's game against Niles West, the girls were behind from the start to a solid Niles West team. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 15-^ in favor of the Indians. In the second quarter, NQes West resorted to long jumpers in reaction to a tough Hawk defense. But their shots kept going through the hoop. Joanie Boesen put a ball in with 22 seconds left to make the score 36-20 with Niles West still on top when the teams retreated to the locker
room at the half. Boesen tipped the ball to Sallie Petersen to start the third. The team improved in getting needed rebounds which had escaped them in the first half, but South was still down 55-34 when the quarter ended. The team accelerated in the fourth quarter sinking six baskets in the first three minutes with help from Sal Petersen and Lynette Vedrine with successful long jump shots, Despite their efforst, Maine never got on top and dropped the game, 69-55. Petersen once again led the Hawks' scoring with 16 points and Joanie Boesen contributed 14 and 11 rebounds. "I wish we could have won," Coach Deines commented. "I thought we might go far, but tonight we couldn't get the needed turnovers that might have made the difference in the game. It seemed that each time we got a turnover, we had a turnback. That extra spurt needed to get a few points and cut the lead never quite came." A huge crowd turned out for the game and Coach Deines added that he was pleased that this many people turned out for the girls' game.
points which gives him an average of 26 points per game. He has made 312 baskets, 104 free throws and 221 rebounds. John Crowl '79, also in all 28 games, has a season total of 157 points which gives him an average of 5.6 points per game. He has made 58 baskets, 55 free throws, and 41 rebounds. Dan Fiddler '79 has played in 25 games and has a total of 250 points for the season, an average of 10 points per game. He has made 107 baskets, 63 free Qirows, and 175 rebounds. Dave Hoelscher '79 has played in 26 games and has a total of 126 points for the season which gives him an average of 4.8 points per game. He has made 56 baskets, 14 free throws, and 34 rebounds. Jay Huyler 79 has played in 17 games and has a season total of 117 points which gives him an average of 4.3 points per game. He has made 42 baskets, 33 free throws, and 13 rebounds. John Jensen '80 has played in 11 games and has a season total of 16 which gives him an average of 1.5 points per game. He has made four baskets, eight free throws and five rebounds. Tim Loeffler '79 has played in 21 games and has a season total of 65 points, an average of 3.1 per game. He has made 26 baskets, 13 free throws and 69 rebounds. Mike McCarthy '80 has played in eight games and has a season total of 14 points which averages out to 1.7 points per
Baker makes All-State team byLoyShenQtt'79 All tournament team at East Aurora, City Suburban, All Star, All Conference, and All Area are some honors that have been given to Jeff Baker, Maine South's 6'4" swing forward. Yet, the biggest honor given to Jeff so far this year is being named to the AU-State team! "I was pretty proud, I was not sure that I would make the team, but my teammates thought so!" said Jeff, about receiving this award. "It's a great honor to be named to the All State team, all the guys take pride in it, all contributed to it!" said Jay Huyler. "Great! Out of twelve guys he (Jeff) is in a privileged group," remarked Dave Hoelscher. These statements are typical of the teammate reaction to Jeff making the All State squad. Many factors contribute to the
selection of Jeff to All State. Included are Jeff's ability to score points. SHe shoots 59 per cent from the free throw line, and makes 70 per cent of his attempted shots. So far this season, Jeff has a total of 728 points, which breaks Pete Boesen's single season record of 561 points. Another important reason Jeff was chosen for the All State team is due to the team he is on. "We work as a team, we all root for each other, wanting each member to excel. We also have so much confidence that we are going to win that we do. We have a real team effort!" said Jeff, "Excellent coaching job by Mr. Sullins and Mr. Verber has pulled the . team together. We were also taught to work as a team!" Another quality which makes Jeff so deserving All-State is his own belief that he is a member of a team — not the star of it!
You've come long way, girls!
by Julie LangdoD Since its commencement in 1972, the girls basketball program at Maine South has experienced several changes. In that first year of interscholastic competition. Miss Chris Voelz coached the girls to a 6-1 record. The next three years produced conference champions. Before 1972, intramurals provided the only basketball competition, alhhough four interscholastic games were played. The number of games was then raised to season? The question is ridiculous. eight until, finally the Central Suburban "Without a doubt," he answered simply. League for girls was created.
Deines 'learning' from players by Mary Beth Coudal Behind every great basketball team, there is a great coach. Mr. Mike Deines, fits the pattern. He calls himself a "student" of the game but the performance of the team speaks otherwise. "I don't have the experience of the boy's coaches but this year I've learned more about basketball and coaching than any other time in my life," said Coach Deines. His philosophy on coaching is one based on success. Not success only from winning. More significant is the accomplishment of playing as a team to the best ability of each individual. The individual personality of each player is stressed on the girls basketball team. "Coaching is one of the most personally rewarding things I've done in education." Mr. Deines further commented, "It's a unique experience ... you see the hours put into the goal of playing a good game, the fantastic attitude of the team about competition and the support." Has the team lived up to his ideals this
Dan Fiddler '79
game. He has made two baskets, 10 free throws and three rebounds. Brian Sir '79 has played in eight games and has a season total of six points giving him an .80 point per game average. He has made 13 baskets, four free throws and eight rebounds. Chris Theodore '79 has played in 28 games and has a season total of 81 points for an average of 16.4 per game. He has made 171 baskets, 116 free throws and 210 rebounds. Todd Vukovich '79 has played in 25 games and has a season total of 81 points, an average of 3.2 per game. He has made 30 baskets, 21 free throws and 44 rebounds. Jim Walewander '80 has played in nine games and has a season total of 14 points, an average of 1.6 per game. He has made five baskets, four free throws and one rebound.
This year's girls B-Ball team includes, back row; l-r Bev Schiffer. Kathy Spychala, Joenie Boesen, Julie Kwasegroch, Leslie Lundell, Sally Zelger, and Coach Deines. Front row; l-r Kim Banks, Sally Petersen, Sue Annetti, Lynette Vedrine, Kal Schroeder, Kathy Bickler.
When Title IX was passed, it greatly affected the program. Instead of using the rules specifically for girls basketball, the Illinois High School Association adopted the National Federation rule book. Thus, the girls' season became identical to the boys. The board recognized the fact that the girls' physical capacities were equal to the boys. Each team is now allowed to compete in 16 regular games and two tournaments excluding the state competition. This boosted the season from two to four months. With a state championship to aim for, a new focus was added to girls basketball. Junior high and elementary schools have introduced the sport. As a result, more experienced players are entering the high school program. The interest has also spread to the college level through scholarships. Maine South alumni including Kathy Pabst, Michele Rotondo, and Teny Lusignan have taken advantage of this opportunity. Graduate Liz Boesen is a most valuable player on the Saint Benedict team. Former Maine South Hawk, Sue Leonard, will audition for the Pan American womais' basketball team this year. This year's varsity coach, Mr. Mike Deines, feels that through womens' professional basketball, the state tournament and the scholarship opportunities, fan support of girls basketball will become, in five years, equivalent to the guys.