Girls’ Basketball Playoffs : Kennedy Treated Rudely by Lockhart, Washington

There were hugs for Kennedy High’s basketball team after its game against Washington but these were not victory hugs and no player received more than April Ham.

In the final 2 1/2 minutes of the third quarter Kennedy scored the final 10 points, four by Ham, the vocal leader of the Golden Cougars. When the quarter ended, Ham came off the court with a gaze firm and steady. Kennedy, which had trailed by nine at halftime, had cut a Washington lead that had been as large as 12 to three.

But Kennedy’s momentum melted and Ham’s stare turned to tears as Washington defeated the two-time defending City Section 4-A Division champion, 60-44, in a quarterfinal game Wednesday night at Kennedy.

Washington (13-10), the third-place representative from the Mid-City League, blocked Kennedy’s return to the Sports Arena by unleashing Detra Lockhart.

Lockhart, self-inspired according to her coach, scored 11 of her game-high 30 points in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Kennedy converted 2 of 17 shots in the period.

“Detra decided no one was going to stop her,” Washington Coach Phil Chase said.

Kennedy (15-7) was led in scoring by Debbie Barnard, who had 8 of her 14 points in the first quarter to keep the Golden Cougars close, 14-10. Ham added 13.

Kennedy was playing without All-City guard Tisa Rush, who has been academically ineligible for three weeks. Ham, a senior, was left to sort out her feelings.

“It’s not the end of a dream season,” Ham said. “I’m a high achiever and I’m upset with myself when I don’t do well. Period.”

Said assistant Dean Merrill: “I think she’ll wake up late tonight and feel thankful of winning one City title.”