Louisville Girls Stumble Past Dos Pueblos, 70-53

Brian O’Hara has been consistent in appraising the play of his Louisville High girls basketball team at this week’s San Gabriel Tournament.

The Royals, O’Hara believes, have been consistent only in their mediocrity.

“I thought Louisville played stupidly in the first half,” O’Hara said. “We haven’t played the way we’re supposed to, yet.”

Louisville, however, played well enough to defeat Dos Pueblos, 70-53, in a semifinal game Friday night. The Royals will play Kennedy, a 51-50 winner over Chino, in the championship game tonight at 6:15.

With a core of returning starters and a No. 2 Southern Section 3-A preseason ranking, much is expected of the Royals this season.

All-American forward Andrea Knapp has done little to disappoint the fans. Knapp played aggressive defense and scored a game-high 28 points against Dos Pueblos. Teammate Lynn Flanagan scored 19 points.

“Knapp was too tough,” Dos Pueblos Coach Jennifer Moreland said. “She was hitting from the inside and the outside.”

Dos Pueblos’ double overtime win over Simi Valley on Thursday had sapped the Chargers’ energy, Moreland said.

“We had to work real hard last night,” Moreland said. “We didn’t let down emotionally, just physically. Our feet were a little slow and that’s why we had all those reaching in fouls early on.”

Three Chargers’ starters had three or more fouls when the first half ended with Louisville in front, 34-27. Louisville made 16 of 24 free throws in the first half. Renee Harris, who had led Dos Pueblos against Simi Valley on Thursday, was held to seven points.

Louisville’s Tina Kohler, who had two fouls in the first quarter, scored all seven of her points in the third quarter after sitting out much of the first half.

“Tina’s probably the best athlete at Louisville,” O’Hara said. “It hurts not having her in there. She’s extremely quick. Without Tina, it’s a different Louisville.”

Simi Valley, which defeated Culver City, 52-50, will play Ocean View in the consolation final at 4:45 p.m. today.