Coach Bernie Brady's Maine South Hawks were too much for the Warriors on Friday, February 26. The Hawks handed the cagers their second conference loss and forced the Warriors into a tie for the conference championship with a 72‑63 win.

Fred Horn '71, Coach Gaston Freeman's "sixth man," was the most effective player for West. He led the squad in scoring with 21 points and kept the cagers' chances alive by getting numerous key rebounds.

Tuesday night saw the Warriors open the state tournament with a 63‑55 victory over Forest View in the Prospect Regional. The game was a standoff until Horn sank a free‑throw and started West on its way to putting the game out of the Falcons' reach.

Maine West's scoring was more evenly divided in this contest than others that had preceded it. Tom Kummer '71 had 22, while Dennis Willison '71 tallied 16 and George Woodley '71 achieved 14.

Coming off their win over Forest View and a Thursday morning pep rally, the cagers mopped up tiny Timothy Christian 66‑49. Led by Kummer and Willison and a taut defense, the Warriors dominated the whole game.

Maine West's chances were ended on Friday night in the Prospect gym. Arlington, West's opponent for the contest, forced the cagers into foul trouble which led to the defeat. Arlington sank 26 free throws while Maine West dropped in only 6.

The cagers tied the game at 70‑70 and sent the game into a three minute overtime period. After exchanging baskets, Arlington pulled ahead to a 78‑76 lead. They added two more from the charity stripe to put the game out of reach and hand West a 80‑76 defeat.

Bruce Kerr '71 led the Warriors with a superb effort of 21 points. Kummer contributed 17 while Horn had 18, Woodley 12, Willison 6, and junior Rick Wolfgram 2.

A recap of the season shows Maine West placed in a conference tie with Maine South with identical 12‑2 records. Their overall record for the year was 18‑5.

Individuals who received honors were Kummer, Willison, and Kerr. Kummer earned a berth on the Proviso West's All‑Tourney Squad and received all‑conference recognition. Willison, a three year varsity participant, also received all‑conference recognition. Kerr, a 6'9" center, also got the all-conference nod.