Buena Seeking to Add to Legacy in Quest for Girls’ Regional Title : High school basketball: Bulldogs must get by undefeated Lynwood to earn a shot at their third state championship.

Two of the state’s most successful girls’ basketball programs will battle for the right to advance to the state championships at 6 tonight in the Sports Arena when Buena and Lynwood highs meet for the Southern California Division I regional title.

The winner will travel to Oakland next weekend to play the Northern California Division I champion in the state final.

Southern Section Division I-A champion Buena defeated Crenshaw in the regional semifinals, 60-52. Undefeated Lynwood, which captured the Division I-AA title, downed Thousand Oaks in the semifinals, 62-59.

Buena’s record is 25-3. Lynwood’s is 29-0.

Longtime Buena Coach Joe Vaughan has built the Bulldogs into a perennial power. In addition to this season, Buena won Southern Section titles in 1979 and 1984.

Buena was the runner-up in section title games six times (1978, ‘83, ‘87, ‘90, ‘91, ‘92). The Bulldogs won state titles in 1983 and 1984. The Knights won a section championship in 1986 and played in section title games on three other occasions (1988, ‘90, ‘92).

The teams’ styles are studies in contrasts. The disciplined Bulldogs rely on a potent inside game and a solid zone defense.

Lynwood scores often on fast-break layups generated by its smothering full-court press. Both teams utilize eight to nine players in a game.

Buena guards Amanda Falls and Eboni Conley will face constant pressure while trying to bring the ball up court. How well they fare will be the key because Buena’s offense revolves around getting the ball inside to Michelle Giordano.

The junior forward had averages of about 18 points and nine rebounds during the regular season and has played even better during the playoffs.

Giordano made two free throws with no time remaining to give Buena a 44-43 victory over Thousand Oaks in the I-A final. She scored 28 points and had 11 rebounds in the state semifinal victory over Crenshaw.

“She’s been a real consistent player for us all season,” Vaughan said. “She’s very good and a hard worker.”

Said Crenshaw co-Coach Major Dennis: “(Giordano) is an excellent ballplayer. To be honest about it, we actually didn’t know she is as good as she is.”

Timicha Kirby is the Knights’ best player. Kirby is listed as a forward but can play any position. She averages 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Guard Elana Adams (17 points) and forward Tawana Grimes (16 points) anchor the Knights’ defense. Center Shannel Tapusoa gives Lynwood a physical presence.