Division III Girls

Where--The Pyramid, Long Beach State, 1 today

Harvard-Westlake (27-5)--The well-rounded Wolverines were the top-seeded team in the Southern Section Division III-A playoffs but were upset in the finals by second-seeded Inglewood Morningside, 53-46; Rosary beat Morningside on Thursday, 64-53. Harvard-Westlake has already traveled nearly 400 miles this week, winning at San Diego Kearny in the first round, 73-62, and at Wasco, 59-56. The Wolverines could be tired, and will face a Rosary squad that will press from start to finish. Harvard-Westlake lost to one opponent similar in style to Rosary, Division I finalist Los Angeles Palisades, but Rosary’s not the same caliber as Palisades. Harvard-Westlake will have a height advantage, starting three players 6 feet or taller: L’Tanya Robnett (11 points, 5 rebounds), Omelogo Udeze (20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds) and Rolake Bamgbose (10.2 points, 9.8 rebounds). Brooke Porter is shooting 38% from the three-point range and Robnett 36% to complement a strong inside game.

Rosary (24-8)--Harvard-Westlake’s Michelle Ghodsian draws the assignment of slowing Maggie Barnett (18.8 points, 5 assists), who has averaged 23.7 points the last three games. Rosary is fairly one-dimensional: The Royals will press from the opening tip, try to exploit their quickness, force turnovers and score easy baskets. Though undersized against Harvard-Westlake, Rosary’s experience against Pomona Ganesha should help. The Royals faced two outstanding shot-blockers (and had 10 shots blocked), so Rosary shouldn’t be intimidated facing the Wolverines’ similar gauntlet. Rosary is getting used to playing teams with more physical talent and size, having eliminated Morningside. Rosary opened the regionals with a victory over University of San Diego High, 72-45. Romina Bollini, who has averaged 13.3 points in three games since returning from a knee injury, represents Rosary’s biggest starter at 5-11. She must play under control and avoid foul trouble, otherwise there will be a huge mismatch inside.

Key to the game--It could be a long day for the Royals if they are unable to force--and convert--turnovers as they have throughout their run. If it becomes a half-court game, Harvard-Westlake should be able to impose its will.

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Starting Lineups

HARVARD-WESTLAKE

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P Name Ht. Avg. F Omelogo Udeze 6-2 20.5 F L’Tanya Robnett 6-0 11.0 C Rolake Bamgbose 6-2 10.2 G Brooke Porter 5-5 11.0 G Michelle Ghodsian 5-6 4.1

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Coach: Bryan Taylor

ROSARY

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P Name Ht. Avg. F Romina Bollini 5-11 12.0 F Jenise Karcher 5-9 13.2 G Jennifer Farner 5-9 9.3 G Hayley Munroe 5-10 5.0 G Maggie Barnett 5-6 18.8

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Coach: Rich Yoon