Top Cager Honor Goes to Greene

Morningside forward Shaunda Greene, who led the Lady Monarchs to the CIF Southern Section 4-A title and the state Division I finals, has been chosen the 4-A co-player of the year in girls basketball.

Greene, a 6-foot senior, tied for the award with guard Trise Jackson of Lynwood, the team Morningside defeated for the 4-A and Southern California regional titles.

Morningside Coach Frank Scott didn’t hesitate when asked the key to the best season in school history. The Lady Monarchs finished 33-2.

“I would have to say it was because of Shaunda,” he said. “She held the team together on and off the floor. When the going got tough, she was always there to go to.”

Greene was joined on the all-CIF 4-A squad by teammates Lisa Leslie and Carla Gladden. Leslie, a 6-5 sophomore center, was named to the first team while Gladden, a 5-6 senior point guard, earned second-team honors.

Scott said Greene has narrowed her college choices to Washington and USC. The signing period begins Wednesday.

“Her game will improve in college,” he said. “She might have to change positions and play off guard, but I think she’ll fit in.”

Greene averaged 25.1 points and 10.8 rebounds a game in leading Morningside to the Pioneer League title, its second 4-A crown, and the Division I regional championship. The Lady Monarchs were beaten by Fremont of Oakland, 53-52, in the state finals at Oakland.