Washington Wins Girls’ 4-A Championship

The Washington High girls’ basketball team earned a spot in the record book with its 73-50 victory over Palisades in the City Section Division 4-A final Saturday at the Sports Arena.

The title moved Washington into a tie with Locke for the most section championships at five. The first girls’ final was in 1972.

The outcome was never in doubt as Washington (23-4) took a 22-6 first-quarter lead and extended it to 38-21 at halftime.

Four-year starter Tina Greer of Washington, who was the shortest player on the court at 5 feet 1, finished with a game-high 26 points, including four three-point baskets. Junior forward Shawnee Pickney added 17 points for the Generals.

“We knew Palisades wasn’t going to come out and die, so we had to put them out early,” said Greer, who has 1,368 career points.

Surprising Palisades, which entered the playoffs as the 12th-seeded team and had never played in a championship game before, attempted only 48 shots and was outrebounded, 46-27. The Dolphins (19-8) were led by Meresaini Malaki, who had 20 points.

Washington and Palisades automatically qualify for the State Southern Regional tournament, which begins Tuesday.