SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP : Newport Harbor Can’t Overcome Early Deficit

Newport Harbor spotted Torrance Bishop Montgomery a 12-0 lead and never recovered in losing, 64-41, in a Southern Section Division III-AA girls’ basketball semifinal Saturday night in Redondo Beach.

The Sailors, who finished second in the Sea View League, concluded the season with a 22-6 record, including five losses to league champions.

“I really feel sorry for our senior starters,” Newport Harbor Coach Shannon Jakosky said.

The Knights limited Newport Harbor to a single field goal in the first quarter in taking a 14-3 lead and led, 16-3, before the Sailors went on a scoring streak. Newport Harbor went on a 14-2 streak to reduce the margin to 18-16 with 3 minutes 58 seconds left in the first half.

Tashara Carter’s three-pointer turned the contest around and the Knights took a 30-22 halftime lead.

Any chance of Newport Harbor getting back into the game was dashed as Bishop Montgomery made its first six shots in the second half and outscored Newport Harbor, 22-4, before the Sailors made a field goal in the third quarter. By the end of the quarter Bishop Montgomery had a 54-29 lead.

“They dominated the boards, especially on offense,” Jakosky said. “They are a very good team.”

Jenny Jennings led Newport Harbor with nine points.

Marci McGreevy and Carter each had 17 for the Knights.

Newport Harbor made 19 of 27 free throws but had only 10 field goals.