HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GIRLS’ DIVISION I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP : Berkeley Ends Morningside’s Run

The Lisa Leslie era at Inglewood Morningside High ended with her graduation last year, and the Monarchs missed her absence Saturday in the girls’ State Division I title game.

Berkeley easily ended Morningside’s run of two consecutive State titles with a 76-50 victory before 10,000 at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.

It was the Monarchs’ worst defeat in two years and their first loss to Berkeley in their last four meetings. Morningside defeated Berkeley, 67-56, in last year’s State championship.

Morningside, which finished with a 32-3 record, never got on track against the more aggressive Yellowjackets. The Monarchs made only 27.5% of their shots, converting 20 of 79 attempts. They had 29 fouls, 27 turnovers, and only nine assists.

Although Morningside was playing in its fourth consecutive State championship game, the team appeared unprepared and lackadaisical. After the game, most of the players were crying and refused to speak with reporters.

“Certainly these girls aren’t used to getting behind and losing games,” said first-year Morningside Coach Ron Randle, who replaced Frank Scott. “It was an awkward situation for them to be in. But the bottom line is Berkeley came out to play and we didn’t. We won’t make any excuses about losing.”

Junior center Janet Davis has filled in nicely for Leslie this season, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds a game. But the 6-foot-4 Davis was ineffective against Berkely, making only four of 14 shots and three of six free throws for 11 points. She had nine blocked shots.