SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : GIRLS’ ROUNDUP

In 5-AA:

Lakewood 49, Fountain Valley 44--The price of celebrating Melissa Gower’s 17th birthday two nights before the second round of the girls’ 5-AA playoffs almost cost the center and her Lakewood High teammates a victory at Fountain Valley.

Fountain Valley (18-10) came within two points late in the fourth quarter, but Lakewood (22-4) held on to win, 49-44. Ironically, Gower had a game-high 26 points and 22 rebounds.

“It was one of those 5 a.m. (parties),” Lancer Coach Dow Lawson said. “I hope the girls learned their lesson. We got tired in the fourth quarter, and Fountain Valley is a much-improved team.”

Fountain Valley, down, 45-37, with 4:22 left, went on a 7-1 run to pull within two. But with 17 seconds remaining, Gower was fouled by guard Julie Workman after making a layup. Then Workman and forward Shanna Wilson both missed three-point baskets, and Lancer forward Carrie Osborne took possession as time expired.