Girls Basketball: Plainfield East preaching patience
By Tim O’Brien For Sun-Times Media December 3, 2012 8:30PM
Updated: January 5, 2013 6:12AM
Plainfield East coach Missy Mitidiero doesn’t pause when explaining her biggest issue as a coach.
The former Marian Catholic and DePaul star wants her team to pick everything up. Now.
“I have no patience,” Mitidiero said. “I want them to understand our offense and see everything. It’s not right of me, but it’s there because I have such high expectations. That’s the toughest part, pulling back a little.”
Mitidiero’s expectations are raised for a reason in her second season. After finishing 20-8 last season, the Bengals are 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the Southwest Prairie.
Adding to East’s firepower on top of Faith Suggs and Gabby Williams have been transfers Nikia Edom (Montini) and Andreana Johnson (Plainfield North). Nina Maggio has been a solid presence at the point.
Edom had 24 points, five rebounds and four assists in a 68-63 conference win over Oswego East.
“We’ve got kids who want to learn,” Mitidiero said. “It means we’re growing as people and as a program. I’ve got nothing but faith in these kids. They will achieve their goals, but it will take time. That time, I’m not good at, but I’m working on it.”
Depth charge for Joliet Central
In guard Bernasia Fox, Joliet Central has a player capable of leading the offense as needed.
Central coach Brian Reed is quick to point out, though, the Steelmen will need contributions from anyone and everyone on the roster.
“It’s not only Bernasia, but the whole team effort,” Reed said after Central’s 58-35 recent win at Plainfield South. “We talk about it every day at practice. We have 11 girls on the roster and it takes all 11 girls to be good. It will take everyone in the locker room.”
Central’s record is 2-4. Three SouthWest Suburban games loom over the next two weeks to provide an early test for Reed’s squad. Chavon Banks (10 rebounds per game) and Chantell Mack (8 rebounds) have also played well for the Steelmen.
“Every game is experience, but it all starts in practice,” Reed said. “We put in the effort, and we’ve been in games. It will come, but it is still early for us.”
