San Pedro Can’t Slow Narbonne

The second-best matchup in Southland girls’ high school basketball will take place tonight when Brea-Olinda plays host to Ventura Buena.

Unfortunately for girls’ basketball fans, the best matchup--between perennial Southern Section power Brea-Olinda and City Section juggernaut Harbor City Narbonne--has no chance of becoming reality this season.

Narbonne players and their coach lamented that fact before Friday’s 79-38 Southern Pacific Conference victory at San Pedro. The Lady Gauchos, ranked No. 2 in the state, improved to 23-1, but moved no closer to their dream game against top-ranked Brea-Olinda.

“We’ve always wanted to play them, but they don’t want to play us for some reason,” junior guard Jessica Cheeks said.

Narbonne Coach James Anderson said he called Brea-Olinda before the season and tried to arrange a game, at Brea-Olinda, but was told the Ladycats’ schedule was full. There is no possibility of a state-tournament meeting in March because Narbonne plays in Division I and Brea-Olinda plays in Division II.

“I’m going to call again after the season is over and try for next year,” Anderson said.

By that time, Narbonne will most likely be in possession of its first City 4-A title and possibly its first state championship.

And with only one senior on this year’s roster, the Lady Gauchos appear set for years to come.

On Friday, Narbonne demonstrated talent, fundamentals and depth against overwhelmed San Pedro (3-14). Narbonne can run, too be sure. But as opponents of all ability levels have discovered, the Lady Gauchos can also set up and play a half-court game.

Ebony Hoffman, a 6-2 sophomore forward, and Portia Mitchell, a 6-4 junior who transferred to Narbonne from North Torrance, each scored 14 points against San Pedro. The two players passed with precision from the high and low posts, made textbook power moves and shots near the basket, converted all of their free throws and boxed out for rebounds despite their height advantage.

Cheeks scored nine points and junior forward Amber White and freshman guard Loree Moore each had eight points in limited action after Narbonne led 51-13 at halftime.

“They have height, speed and you can tell that they’ve been playing together for a long time,” said San Pedro’s Tiffany McCollum, who scored 22 points.