"Neck‑up" coaching is the way that varsity basketball Coach Gaston Freeman inspires his team to victory. Said Coach Freeman, "I coach from the neck up. I try to work with the boys psychologically."

The coach says that he knew there was strength in the team, even when they faced Proviso East, one of Maine West's toughest competitors.

A big improvement this year, according to Coach Freeman, was the development of Bruce Kerr and George Woodley, two senior team members. The star players, seniors Tom Kummer, Fred Horn, and Dennis Willison, were proven winners last year.

The coach also said, "I knew we had potential, but we lacked experience in the guard position."

In regard to next year, the coach said, "We have a good defensive ball club, which is the name of the game. I think they will be quick thinking and playing."