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SOUTHERN SECTION GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES : Division III-A Girls

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Rancho Alamitos vs. Costa Mesa, 9:15 a.m.

SITE--Loyola Marymount, Gersten Pavilion

RECORDS--Rancho Alamitos (24-4), Costa Mesa (26-4)

RANCHO ALAMITOS--Junior Akilah Rodgers shot 57% from the field, averaged 20.6 points and 12.2 rebounds--as a reserve--in the Vaqueros’ fast-paced, mass-substitution style. It has worked effectively this season, as 19 consecutive victories will attest. Timerie James, who runs with the first team, averaged 16.6 points. Julie Littman and Tracy Keller average more than five assists.

COSTA MESA--The top-seeded Mustangs, ranked third in the division, is led by Olivia DiCamilli, who averaged 20 points this season and 33 in the playoffs. She will have to get lots of help from junior Heather Robinson (14 points) and seniors Yool Kim and Neiar Kabua, who must bring up the ball against Rancho Alamitos’ high-pressure defense.

KEY TO THE GAME--Costa Mesa must handle the defensive pressure applied by Rancho Alamitos. The Mustangs were rattled by Culver City’s press in the semifinals, blowing a 10-point lead before rallying in the second half. Rancho Alamitos must prevent DiCamilli from dominating the game on offense, as she did in the semifinals.

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CONSENSUS--Anything can happen between these two rivals. Costa Mesa beat Rancho Alamitos for the 1990 championship, and reached the finals in 1991. Rancho Alamitos scored a one-point overtime victory over Costa Mesa in last year’s semifinals en route to the Section title. As the game wears on, the Vaqueros’ mass substitutions should take its toll against Costa Mesa, which has shown a susceptibility to pressure. Look for the Vaqueros to successfully defend their title in the minor upset.

Starting Lineups

RANCHO ALAMITOS

P Name Ht. Avg. G Lisa Inomata 5-2 4.0 G Julie Littman 5-2 6.5 G Tracy Keller 5-4 9.2 F Timerie James 5-9 16.6 F Michelle Frank 5-8 8.7

Coach: Bob Becker

COSTA MESA

P Name Ht. Avg. G Neiar Kabua 5-9 5.0 G Heather Robinson 5-9 14.0 G Yool Kim 5-7 9.0 F Olivia DiCamilli 5-10 20.0 F April Van Sweden 6-2 8.0

Coach: Lisa McNamee

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