Perfect Finish for Lynwood : State basketball: Knights run record to 31-0 by defeating San Francisco Balboa, 65-51, for girls’ Division I title.

A season that began in controversy ended in triumph for the Lynwood High girls’ team when the Knights defeated San Francisco Balboa, 65-51, to win the State Division I championship Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.

Before the season, a coaching controversy resulted in the resignation of Lynwood’s Maurice Roberson. Ellis Barfield, junior varsity coach and varsity assistant, was promoted one week after the season started.

Some doubted Lynwood despite its talent, but the Knights (31-0) never missed a beat.

In the title game, junior forward Timicha Kirby had 27 points and 14 rebounds for Lynwood. Teammate Elana Adams, a senior guard, scored 20 points and made four of 11 three-point shots.

“I feel like they should never doubt us like that,” Kirby said. “But it made us work harder. We had more determination to do what we did.”

Balboa stayed close for three quarters after Lynwood got into early foul trouble. Lynwood had 14 fouls at halftime, three on forward Tawana Grimes.

But Lynwood settled down and pulled away during the fourth quarter. The Knights held a two-point lead at the end of the third quarter, but outscored Balboa, 11-2, during the first 3:23 of the final quarter to increase its lead to 51-40.

Lynwood stretched its lead to as many as 17 points and Balboa (17-15) never got closer than 10.

Lynwood’s press forced Balboa into 29 turnovers and the Knights also had 14 steals.

Balboa made 38.6% of its shots, hitting 17 of 44, while Lynwood shot 36.8%, making 25 of 68.

Brandy Reed led Balboa with 22 points.