Girls’ basketball: Lynwood repeats as 2AA champion

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In a rematch of last year’s final, Lynwood once again prevailed over Riverside North, winning 61-51 to earn its second consecutive Southern Section Division 2AA championship Friday at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Knights have won nine section titles in 12 finals appearances since Ellis Barfield took over as coach in 1992-93 and this triumph is one he’ll remember for a long time.

‘It’s hard to compare championships--they are all great,’ said Barfield, who applauded Lynwood’s loyal and vocal fans after the trophy presentation. ‘This one is special because it’s really hard to win back-to-back nowadays, especially against the same team. This is a great group of girls that never gives up.’

Priscilla Lopez had 15 points and seven rebounds for third-seeded Lynwood (24-5), which raced to a 32-13 halftime lead and withstood a furious North comeback in the fourth quarter. Alize Lofton had 15 rebounds and 14 points, including a driving layup that clinched the victory with 46 seconds left.

Priscilla Brooks had 18 points and 17 rebounds for the Huskies (21-6), who upset top-seeded Keppel in the semifinals. Simone DeCoud added 11 points, including the basket that pulled North to within 54-51 with 1:49 left, but Lynwood’s Jazmine Johnson answered with a reverse layup 28 seconds later. Johnson had 10 points, Nijala Johnson had nine and Amber Blockmon had eight.

Both teams have qualified for the state playoffs, which begin next week. After losing the 2AA section final to Lynwood last year, North bounced back to reach the Division II state final where it lost to San Jose Archbishop Mitty, 56-54, in Sacramento.

-- Steve Galluzzo