SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS : Roundup : Lompoc Defeats Chino

Senior center Pam Coffey scored 19 points, including two baskets in the final minutes, and had 12 rebounds to lead Lompoc to a 61-57 victory over Chino in the Southern Section 2-A girls’ basketball title game Friday at Cerritos College in Norwalk.

The victory gave Lompoc a 26-2 record and its first Southern Section title and advanced the Braves to the Southern California Division II regionals Wednesday against an undetermined opponent.

Chino, which finished 24-5, defeated Lompoc for the 2-A title last year. “I thought the game would be low scoring,” Lompoc Coach Ben DuPree said. “We had Marie (Fontaine foul) out. I’m just glad we got the win.”

With guards Stephanie Dykstra and Jeanine Jones supplying most of the offense, Chino came from behind to take a 53-50 lead with 4:30 remaining in the game.

But Lompoc responded by scoring the next seven points, including back-to-back baskets by guard Rosemary Clinton, for a 57-53 lead.

Coffey gave the Braves the lead for good on a five-foot turnaround jumper that made it 59-57 with 56 seconds remaining. Guard Velda Palm added two free throws with four seconds remaining to wrap up the victory.

Coffey’s performance helped the Braves offset the loss of Marie Fontaine, who was in foul trouble most of the game before fouling out with 5:34 remaining in the game.

Fontaine finished with 16 points and her sister, Nanette, added 10 as Lompoc’s front-line starters combined for 45 points.

It was the 17th win in a row for the Braves, who were seeded No. 1 in the division.

Chino was led by Dykstra, who scored 16 points, and Jones with 13. Forward Carnel Watts had 9 points and 11 rebounds.