It’s a Major Event, But Only to Teams

Strolling through the campuses of Morningside or Palos Verdes High, one could hardly tell that each school’s girls basketball team is heading for a state championship game on Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum.

Students aren’t exactly acting the way Los Angeles residents did when the Lakers made it to the NBA finals or the Dodgers to the World Series.

“I think some people don’t believe it’s happening,” said Palos Verdes Principal Bernard Samuels. “But some are excited. We’re having a pep rally for the team and a lot of fans are planning to go up there.”

With the exception of a banner in Palos Verdes’ yard that reads “Congratulations girls basketball,” there is nothing that smacks of true enthusiasm. There is little of the hoopla that generally accompanies a possible state title.

Most students would probably rather shop at the mall or hang out at the beach rather than play the faithful fan at 2:45 p.m. when the Sea Kings (27-7) face Sacramento Grant (26-7) for the Division II state title.

“We usually don’t get recognized,” said Palos Verdes sophomore guard Susan Wilhite. “Now that we’re doing so good, I guess we kind of are. I remember a couple of games early in the year where there was just our parents scattered around in the stands. At least when we played Los Altos in the playoffs, it was nice to see the stands filled.”

For Morningside (33-1), this week has been business--school business, that is--as usual. The Lady Monarchs have been very calm about their 6:15 p.m. game against Oakland Fremont (16-11) for the Division I state title.

Morningside’s two-time All-American forward Shaunda Greene says that’s because team members never dreamed of getting this far.

“It means a lot, but we won’t be extremely sad if we don’t take it (state title),” she said. “If we lose, we’ll be more than happy because of what we’ve already accomplished.”

Morningside will have a pep rally today and a bus that will transport fans to Oakland.

“We certainly expect them to take the championship,” said Morningside Principal Jerrie Martin. “We’re planning a parade similar to what they do with the Lakers.”

Martin isn’t the only one feeling optimistic. The Lady Monarchs have been tremendously confident throughout the playoffs. Their fans seem to be too.

And why not?

Morningside has only lost once this season--to the state’s second-ranked team--and has wiped out most of its opponents during postseason play. The Lady Monarchs are the top-ranked team in the state.

Sophomore center Lisa Leslie says the usual comment she receives from fellow students is: “You guys know this is it.”

“We all just feel that way,” Leslie said, “because we’re the No. 1 team. That’s why we’re real confident for all our games.”