State Division II Girls’ Final

When--6:15 tonight

Where--Arco Arena, Sacramento

Brea Olinda (32-1)--The Ladycats are playing in a state-record seventh state title game and trying to win a record sixth. They are shooting 54.1% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range. They must continue to shoot well, which has been their problem in arenas over the last three years, shooting 31.4% in Southern California regional final at the Pond. Chelsea Trotter’s presence inside should help, provided she doesn’t get in foul trouble. Despite a sore knee, she scored 26 in the Southern California final victory over Fresno Edison. Without a strong performance by Trotter (8.8 rebounds, 63.4% shooting), the scoring burden falls on Lindsey Davidson (57.8% shooting) and Erin Kelly (62.3%). Both shot 50% from the three-point line. Brea has an advantage down its bench, and should it decide to try to wear down the six-deep Wolves, the play of reserves Sarah Bonilla, Jeri Costello, Katie Hardeman and Jackie Lord could be pivotal. The Ladycats also have more big-game experience.

Redding Shasta (28-2)--After winning four Northern Section titles in the last five years and reaching the regional semifinals twice, the Wolves are making their first appearance in a state title game. They reached it by overcoming a 12-point deficit and upsetting Fair Oaks Del Campo--ranked third in the division in the state--by a 51-49 score. The Wolves don’t get too high or low, so even if Brea breaks away early, Shasta might still be there at the end. Though undersized, Shasta is fundamentally sound and defeated a Del Campo team that had two 6-3 post players and a 21-game winning streak. There’s a certain clutch-play nature about the Wolves too: Katelyn Pearson scored only six points against Del Campo but had two three-point baskets in the final 1:37, including the game-winner with 49 seconds left. Lydia Reiner (five assists) will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is a threat to break Brea’s fullcourt pressure. Sephora Scoubes (4.5 assists), the section’s most valuable player, averaged 10.2 rebounds. She is complemented by Kelly Wooden (6.5 rebounds). Though they shot only 35% from the field this season, the Wolves had 10 three-pointers in their most recent victory.

Key to the game--Brea makes its living making other teams uncomfortable, and Shasta’s ability to handle the pressure will go a long way toward determining the winner. An up-tempo game favors Brea; a half-court game is a benefit to Shasta. Even if Reiner breaks the press, Shasta must outrebound a taller team that is just as sound. For a first-time team in a big game, those are pretty big ifs.

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Starting Lineups

REDDING SHASTA

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P Name Ht. Avg. F Katelyn Pearson 5-7 4.5 F Sephora Scoubes 5-10 23.8 C Kelly Wooden 5-11 5.4 G Lydia Reiner 5-9 4.9 G Tahnee Walker 5-7 13.5

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Coach: Bill Callaway

BREA OLINDA

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P Name Ht. Avg. F Kate Ides 6-0 7.9 F Chelsea Trotter 6-2 16.7 G Lindsey Davidson 5-9 13.3 G Erin Kelly 5-9 13.5 G Catherine Solorio 5-7 8.3

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Coach: Jeff Sink