Lynwood (25-2) vs. Esperanza (26-4)

8:15 TONIGHT PYRAMID, LONG BEACH STATE

It’s doubtful that scoring averages of Lynwood players submitted to the Southern Section are accurate--they total 169.5 points per game--but there is no doubt the Knights are an outstanding team. Among their victories was one over Harbor City Narbonne, 46-36, in their season opener. They have a suffocating defense and will provide a sturdy test for Esperanza’s trio of guards. If they don’t handle the press, it could be a long night for the Aztecs, who are making their first appearance in the section finals since Coach Marc Hill’s first season, 1982-83. The game provides a contrast in styles. Lynwood will press and run, and Esperanza will try to create a half-court tempo that will allow it to set up its offense. If the Aztecs do that, it might create an impatience that takes Lynwood out of its rhythm. Esperanza has won 18 in a row and is used to playing close games and playing from behind; Lynwood has lost both its games decided by less than 10 points.

LINEUPS

Lynwood

G Andrea Adams, Jr.

16 points, 8 rebounds

G Audrey Taylor, Jr.

9 points, 5.5 rebounds

G Sade Gatewood, Fr.

12 points, 1.5 rebounds

F Hazel Woods, Sr.

19 points, 7.5 rebounds

F Janice Bright, Jr.

17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds

Esperanza

G Lindsay Helvey, Jr.

10 points, 4.3 rebounds

G Tina Kalogeropoulos, Jr.

6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds

G Ashley Van Kurin, Jr.

10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds

F Laura Jacobsen, Sr.

9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds

C Bethany Blair, Sr.

14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds