Division II Girls’ Final

Newark Memorial vs. Laguna Hills

When--6:15 p.m.

Where--Pond

Newark Memorial (30-1)--The Cougars have won 27 in a row. Although Laguna Hills’ defense hasn’t given up more than 50 points this season, Newark Memorial scored fewer than 50 only twice--both victories. The last was a 48-43 victory over Walnut Creek Northgate in the North Coast Section finals. Third-year Coach Wendell Jones says defense will determine his team’s fortune: forcing turnovers will be critical against a team with Tayyiba Haneef “because a girl that tall [6-6] is going to get her hands on the ball.” Chrissy Gritzke usually guards the toughest frontcourt player and Amber Donn the toughest backcourt player; their contribution will be important, as will that of all the complementary players to junior Ami Forney and senior Lee Esther Anderson. The defense allowed only 48.7 points in its six playoff games, and 41.2 in the regular season. Forney (21 points, 12 rebounds), provides a solid physical, muscular, presence inside and good range from 12 feet, and senior forward Nicole Bailey (7.3 points, 10.5 rebounds) is a good leaper. The Cougars like to run when they can, but have the players inside to play a half-court game, too.

Laguna Hills (30-3)--The Hawks have won 22 in a row. Despite a 40-29 victory over top-ranked Brea Olinda in the regional finals, the Hawks remained ranked No. 2 in the state. Newark Memorial is No. 4. Laguna Hills will again try to control the tempo and make it a half-court game, but there’s an added bonus for the Hawks; their preparation for Brea provided defensive options that have not yet been scouted. Haneef (13.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 58.5% from the field) remains the game’s dominant presence because her performances have consistently improved as the games gained importance. She has made 16 of 23 shots the last two games. Though Newark Memorial is coming off a 28.9% shooting performance at Arco Arena, Laguna Hills shot 41% at the Pond.

Key to the game--Laguna Hills has gotten this far and already beaten Brea Olinda. The Hawks are so close to achieving their ultimate goal, they must not try to do more than they’re capable. That wasn’t a problem last week. If it’s not a problem tonight--if they don’t force shots and turn the ball over--Laguna Hills probably will win the state title.

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Starting Lineups

MEMORIAL

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P Name Ht. Avg. F Nicole Bailey 5-10 7.3 F Amber Donn 5-7 7.4 C Ami Forney 6-2 21.0 G Lee Anderson 5-6 9.9 G Chrissy Gritzke 5-5 9.5

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Coach: Wendell Jones

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LAGUNA HILLS

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P Name Ht. Avg. F Whitney Houser 5-11 12.6 F Erin Larsen 5-8 3.8 C Tayyiba Haneef 6-6 14.0 G Tamara Inoue 5-7 13.7 G Mary Tims 5-5 5.1

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Coach: Lynn Taylor