DIVISION I GIRLS : Chino Shackles Poway

Poway High’s debut in the Southern California Regionals turned into a learning experience rather than a moment to savor.

The San Diego Section Division I girls’ basketball champion was outplayed by Souhern Section runner-up Chino, 62-53, Tuesday at Poway High.

The Titans (27-2), losing just one starter next season, ran into a team that had similar qualities--quick guards and tall post players--but with more bulk. In the end, Poway found itself boxed out of the tournament.

Michelle Kahler scored 17 points and Francine Moreno scored 16 to lead Chino, which was ranked fifth in the state. Kahler had eight points in the fourth quarter, including six consecutive free throws in the final three minutes.

The Cowgirls also got 12 points from 6-foot-3 Beth Beers and seven from twin sister Emily Beers, who came off the bench and had 11 rebounds.

Poway’s Stephanie Guerena scored nine of her team-high 11 points in the fourth quarter but Poway could get no closer than five points. Chino led 39-32 entering the final period.

Kara Berg had 10 points for Poway, eight in the first half. Allison Brady, who scored 16 in the section final against Mt. Carmel, was held to seven points with an effective triple-team.

“I thought we played pretty well,” Poway Coach Jay Trousdale said, “but their (man-to-man) defense bothered us in the third quarter.”

Poway led after one quarter, 13-10, but trailed 26-24 at halftime. A 9-2 run midway in the third quarter gave Chino a five-point lead it never relinquished.

Poway committed 16 turnovers, with seven coming in the second quarter and six coming in the third.