SHOOTING STAR

MISSION HILLS —  Kate Beckler, guard on the Alemany High girls’ basketball team, is a gunner who has her team shooting for its third Southern Section title of the decade.

Beckler and top-seeded Alemany (23-6) meet second-seeded La Puente (24-1) today in the Division III-AA championship game at 2:45 p.m. at the Pyramid at Long Beach State.

“I love the feeling of going down the court, shooting the ball and winning,” Beckler said.

The sharp-shooting sophomore averaged a team-high 19.6 points during the regular season and in the playoffs she has kicked her game up a few notches. Beckler is averaging 25.3 points in Alemany’s three playoff victories.

“She’s a great player and a great shooter,” said senior Kelli Kobayashi, Alemany’s All-Southern Section point guard. “She’s a big reason why we are where we are right now.”

The Indians are in their sixth section final in seven seasons and seventh championship game overall. They won titles in 1991-92 and ‘93-94.

La Puente, making its first trip to the championship game, may learn what Mission League opponents already know: Beckler is not easily stopped.

“She absolutely tore us up this season,” Notre Dame Coach Keith Case said. “As far as pure scorers go, she’s as good as they get.”

Louisville designed a special defense just to rattle Beckler, an All-Southern Section choice as a freshman.

“She never changed her expression,” Louisville Coach Paula Getty-Shearer said. ‘You can’t get to her.”

It’s a level of focus Alemany Coach Melissa Hearlihy witnesses on a daily basis.

“Kate gets into such a zone between herself and the basket that she doesn’t think about anything else,” Hearlihy said. “There are no other variables for her.”

Nowhere has that been more evident than at the free-throw line, where Beckler in shooting 80%--including 40 of 43 (93%) during league play.

She insists she spends no more time on free throws than she does on any other facet of her game. It’s just a psychological thing, she says.

“I feel obligated to make them because no one is [covering] me,” Beckler said. “It’s a free shot. Everyone should be able to make a free throw.”

Then again, Beckler scores from almost everywhere.

Her mid-range and three-point shots have improved since her freshman season, when she averaged 12.5 points. She blistered Harvard-Westlake for three three-point baskets and 12 points in the first quarter of a 73-53 rout on Feb. 6, enabling the Indians to gain a share of the Mission League championship.

But it is Beckler’s ability to drive and get off seemingly impossible shots that sets her apart.

“If ever there was a slasher, it’s her,” Hearlihy said. “Some of the contortions she makes while driving are amazing.”

Beckler displays the same all-or-nothing style on defense. She averages 5.1 steals.

“She has a nose for the ball,” Louisville’s Getty-Shearer said. “Her aggressiveness is what makes her stand out.”

Beckler is the oldest of three children. Sister Kelly is one of the region’s more promising eighth-graders and may enroll at Alemany in September. Brother Adam, 11, also is a hot prospect.

Each plays on summer traveling teams. Kate’s Southern California Women’s Basketball Club team won the AAU 13-under title in 1996.

Between the three Beckler children and their schedules, there is little free time for parents Sandy and Hiroko.

“We’re always either going to a practice or a game somewhere,” Kate said. “We spend most of our time on the freeway.”

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Southern Section Girls’ Basketball

* WHERE: At the Pyramid, Long Beach State

* DIRECTIONS: 405 South to Bellflower Blvd. Exit South on Bellflower to Atherton. East on Atherton. Pyramid is visible from street.

* TICKET INFORMATION: $8 general admission at Pyramid box office and presale for adults. $4 for students presale and children under 12. Parking is $3.

DIVISION III-AA

* WHO: Alemany (23-6) vs. La Puente (24-1)

* WHEN: Today, 2:45 p.m.

* WHO TO WATCH: All-Southern Section guards Kelli Kobayashi and Kate Beckler pace an Alemany offense that is averaging 81 points. Beckler is averaging 25.3 points in the playoffs. La Puente guard Erika Olivas, also All-Southern Section, is averaging 18.5 points. Perla Sanchez adds 12.5 points.

* FAST FACT: Alemany is playing in its sixth championship game in seven seasons. La Puente is playing in its first final.