PREP BASKETBALL REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES : Girls’ Division III Regional Final : Newport Harbor vs. Brea-Olinda, 9:30 a.m.

Where--Anaheim Arena.

Newport Harbor (24-7)--Genevieve Evarts has been on fire in the playoffs, and she scored a game-high 22 points when the Sailors played Brea a week ago in the Southern Section Division III-AA championship game. Evarts isn’t the problem. Her teammates combined for only 18 points against a Ladycat defense that was content to let Newport bring the ball upcourt. In the first game, the Sailors thought they could handle the emotional battle of playing Brea and they trailed, 17-2, after one quarter. Having lost once before creates an even bigger emotional battle.

Brea-Olinda (31-0)--The Ladycats’ six playoff victories have been by an average of 45 points. Nno team has scored more than 20 points against them by halftime, and the Ladycats’ average lead has been 32. Sarah Beckley has been terrific under the boards in the playoffs. In the midst of a slump in the first meeting with Newport Harbor, Nicole Erickson was four of 18 from the field--the rest of the team was 23 of 39 (59%). In Thursday’s victory over San Luis Obispo, Erickson was nine of 11. No slump, no worries.

Key to the game--Newport Harbor’s post play was nonexistent in the first game--the Sailors got only two offensive rebounds and 18 total. When Brea broke the game open early, eight of its first 12 points came on follow shots. If the Sailors don’t rebound, they won’t win. And even if they do, they have almost no chance.

Starting Lineups

NEWPORT HARBOR

P Name Ht. Avg. G Genevieve Evarts 5-7 15.8 G Gina Heads 5-4 9.1 C Melissa Schutz 6-0 7.9 F Mandy Clayton 5-10 9.1 F Dianne Pulido 5-10 8.8

Coach: Shannon Jakosky

BREA-OLINDA

P Name Ht. Avg. G Nicole Erickson 5-6 16.0 G Kiyoko Miller 5-8 11.6 C Colleen Hudson 6-2 13.7 F Lee Moulin 5-11 9.6 F Sarah Beckley 5-11 10.2

Coach: John Hattrup