HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS : Morningside Keeps Rolling, Beats Chino, 52-47

Inglewood Morningside High won its fourth consecutive Southern Section major division championship Friday night by defeating Chino, 52-47, in the I-AA final at UC Irvine’s Bren Center.

Morningside (29-2) keeps alive its quest for a third consecutive State title. Pairings will be announced next week, and it’s likely second-seeded Chino (28-4) will also receive an at-large bid.

Morningside first-year Coach Ron Randle has been in a championship situation before--as co-coach of the the Monarchs boys’ team in 1985. He was ecstatic about his first solo championship experience.

“This is the most exciting period of my life,” Randle said. “The chance to take over was a challenge, but it was also a great honor too. We’ve put a lot of time in with these ladies, trying to help them improve, trying to make everyone get better, and this is what happens when you do that.”

The Cowgirls, who have been to the final four times in the past six years, scored the game’s first nine points. But the Lady Monarchs, keyed by Akiba Flanagan’s nine second-quarter points, reclaimed the momentum and took a 29-27 halftime advantage.

Guard Princess Murray paced Morningside with 13 points. Center Janet Davis contributed 11 points and six rebounds and blocked eight shots.

Chino’s Michelle Kahler led all scorers with 19 points.