Girls’ basketball: Long Beach Poly vs. Chaminade is big-time showdown
USC-bound Valerie Higgins, left, and Duke-bound Leaonna Odom will try to lead Chaminade to a state title this season.
The Southern Section Open Division girls’ championship game on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Azusa Pacific could not be any better. It matches Long Beach Poly (25-3) against Chaminade (26-4), and the talent on the court will be outstanding.
Poly defeated Chaminade, 50-39, on Dec. 21, but the Eagles are finally healthy and Poly also is a different team since standout Jasmine Jones became eligible in January.
“The key to winning is playing fast and winning the rebound war,” Chaminade Coach Kelli DiMuro said.
Chaminade relies on USC-bound Valerie Higgins and Duke-bound Leaonna Odom.
Poly has three players averaging in double figures, led by the 6-foot-1 Jones at 14.6 points.
During the playoffs, Chaminade has been playing its best basketball of the season.
“We’re playing together,” DiMuro said. “We have good chemistry.”
The two teams could meet up again in the Southern California Regional playoffs.
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