GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS / DIVISION III-A

Rosary (22-9) vs. Torrance Bishop Montgomery (24-3)

6:30 TONIGHT LONG BEACH STATE PYRAMID

Rosary is the defending Division III-A champion, but the divisions were combined this season to form Division III-AA. The Royals finished third in the four-team Serra League and reached the postseason only because teams with 10 victories were allowed to participate in the playoffs. The Royals will face a situation like last season’s, going against a taller, more athletic team. They practiced by shooting against coaches holding brooms, then beat Pomona Ganesha in the final, 47-44. It’s imperative Rosary avoids a track meet, and it will take a team effort to stop 6-foot-3 Lauren Ervin. One intangible factor favors Rosary: Four starters played in last year’s title game. --M.H.

KEY PLAYERS

Rosary

PG Maggie Barnett, Sr.

16.3 pts., 4.2 asts.

F Jen Farner, Jr.

9.4 pts., 9.9 rebs.

G Jenise Karcher, Jr.

10 pts., 3.1 rebs.

Bishop Montgomery

C Lauren Ervin, Fr.

18 pts., 10 rebs.

G Noelle Quinn, Fr.

12 pts., 4 asts.

F Tamara Quinn, Sr.

10 pts., 3 rebs.