Moore Is Better

Loree Moore concluded her high school basketball career a few weeks ago by winning the most valuable player award at a national all-star game in Connecticut.

Moore, a senior at Harbor City Narbonne, scored eight points, had eight rebounds, handed out six assists and had a game-record 10 steals.

It was a typically balanced game for Moore and it ended with a typical result for her team--a victory.

Moore, a four-year starter, grew accustomed to winning at Narbonne. She helped lead the Lady Gauchos to victories in three City Section championship games and three state Division I title games.

Moore, whose all-around game earned her a scholarship to Tennessee, is the winner of The Times’ 2001 Cheryl Miller Award, presented annually to the top girls’ basketball player in the Southern California.

Moore, a 5-foot-10 guard, averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and five steals this season. She was capable of a triple-double every time she took the court.

“Throughout her career, Loree did whatever it took for her team to win,” Narbonne Coach James Anderson said. “She’s not the kind of player who was going to score 40 points, but she could get 20 when we needed it. She rebounded, played great defense and made everyone she played with better.”

As a freshman, Moore helped the Lady Gauchos win the City and state Division I titles. Both championships were forfeited, however, because of residence violations involving other Narbonne players.

Narbonne was ineligible to compete in the playoffs in 1998-99.

Narbonne began the 1999-2000 season ranked No. 1 in the nation in several polls and defeated Berkeley in the state championship game to finish 36-0. Moore keyed the victory with 21 points and seven steals.

Before her senior season, Moore was a top reserve for a U.S. junior national team that won a world championship qualifying tournament in Argentina.

She led Narbonne to its second consecutive state title, defeating Berkeley again in the final.

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Girls’ Player of the Year

Cheryl Miller Award winners:

* 2001: Loree Moore, Harbor City Narbonne

* 2000: Diana Taurasi, Chino Don Lugo

* 1999: Leilani Estavan, Palisades

* 1998: Michelle Greco, Crescenta Valley

* 1997: Michelle Greco, Crescenta Valley

* 1996: Maylana Martin, Perris

* 1995: Jody Parriott, Cerritos Valley Christian

* 1994: Olympia Scott, Playa del Rey St. Bernard

* 1993: Timicha Kirby, Lynwood

* 1992: Charisse Sampson, Washington

* 1991: Tamika Phillips, Ontario Chaffey