Scoring accuracy and a tough defense would give the Vaughn White Tigers girls basketball team an 69-37 edge over the Washington Prep Generals to win the Division III City Section Championship.
White Tigers junior Yamileth Ferreira noted how she grew up with her teammates and how that familiarity is an asset.
“It was just the journey playing with them,” Ferreira said. “I just loved every game.”
The Generals struggled with turnovers early in the game while the White Tigers extended their possessions with offensive rebounds. This allowed Ferreira to lead Vaughn in a 7-2 run. Washington Prep junior guard India Cage made a four-point run, but the White Tigers maintained their lead going into the second quarter.
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Generals sophomore Jaleyah Lucien established the scoring rhythm. With 2:35 left in the second quarter, Washington Prep closed their deficit to two points. By the half, Vaughn was up 25-22.
Midway through the third quarter, Lucien hit a three-pointer to tie the game and free throws from junior Kimora Jackson gave the Generals the lead. Washington Prep senior and team captain Ronesha McClean noted how listening to their coach helped them be competitive.
“We had attitudes in the beginning because we were losing,” McClean said. “But we listened to our coach, we let go of our attitude and we got it together.”
The shooting momentum of the White Tigers never wavered; they regained the lead and never looked back. Ferreira mentioned how she put extra work into her shot during practices.
“Every time I go to practice, I always tell my coach if I could just shoot on the side,” Ferreira said. “I just follow my form.”
Vaughn currently has a 20-5 overall record; they also are the Valley League champions, flaunting a 9-1 record. Washington Prep has a 17-12 overall record and is ranked third in the Coliseum League with a 6-4 record.
The Generals had changed coaches midway through the season.
“We really came a long way because at the beginning of the season, we were doing a lot of battling with each other … we eventually pulled it together,” McClean said. “Our new coach, he let us dribble the ball, he let us do us.”
