HENDERSON — A slow start couldn’t keep Losee from capturing the Class 4A Southern Region girls basketball championship Saturday at Foothill High School.
The Lions overcame a turnover-filled first quarter and pulled away in the second half for a 59-41 victory over Mater East, their 16th straight win.
Sophomore Heaven Thomas recorded 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots to lead a balanced attack for Losee (25-5). Senior point guard Jayla Lewis added 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals, and Tia Cleveland came off the bench to contribute 10 points and seven rebounds.
“I feel like in the beginning it was just nerves,” Lewis said. “So after we figured ourselves out, figured them out, it was over.”
Mater East (20-6) capitalized on seven first-quarter turnovers by Losee to stay within 12-10 after one quarter. Neither team shot well in the second period, and the Lions carried a 23-15 lead into halftime.
Losee then used a 15-3 run in the third quarter to blow the game open. Freshman Jordynn Riggins helped handle the ball and scored nine points, while Jade Green nailed consecutive 3-pointers during the decisive spurt after sitting out the first half.
“Our big theme has been discipline,” Losee coach Ginni Giles said. “It’s going to be tough, but you’ve got to forgive yourself and move on to the next play. And you’ve got to do it quickly. I think that’s something we really pulled off.”
Once the lead grew, Mater East extended its defense, and Lewis found open teammates in the lane. Five of her six assists came in the second half.
“That is what she is known for,” Giles said of Lewis. “She is the most selfless player. Her steals and assists and her leadership, she’s been a captain for the last four years. I’m just really impressed with how she came out and led this team keeping her composure.”
Amija Macon paced Mater East with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Gianna Graves added eight points and 10 rebounds. The Knights shot 32.7 percent from the field (17-for-52).
Both teams advance to the Class 4A state tournament next week at Spanish Springs High in Sparks.
“It means a lot, because I feel like we have a really special group and we had a little bump in the road in the middle,” Lewis said. “But it’s coming together now and it’s definitely our year.”
