To Harvard-Westlake Go Spoils of Victory

LONG BEACH — L’Tanya Robnett knew she’d have a chance to hoist a Southern Section girls’ basketball plaque.

She just figured it would be last year.

As a freshman, Robnett was a starting forward at Palmdale High, top-seeded team in Division I-AA entering the playoffs.

“But we didn’t get it done,” said Robnett, whose team was upset in the second round by Simi Valley.

There were no upsets this time.

Robnett, who transferred to Harvard-Westlake High, got her championship Friday when the top-seeded Wolverines beat Morningside, 45-41, at the Pyramid.

“I’ve already told the rest of the team that I’m taking the plaque home with me tonight,” she said.

After committing three turnovers and missing all three of her shots in the first half, Robnett was the target of a halftime tongue-lashing from Coach Brian Taylor.

Robnett responded by scoring all seven of her points in the last five minutes after Morningside pulled even, 33-33.

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Harvard-Westlake is experienced at ordering championship banners. The Wolverines’ boys’ team won section and state titles in 1996 and ’97.

“There’s a nice spot waiting for this one,” girls’ Athletic Director Terry Elledge said. “I’m ordering it Monday.”

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No wonder Harvard-Westlake’s reserves stood for much of the game.

Bench space was reserved for a Tickle Me Elmo doll, a birthday present last month for forward Omelogo Udeze, a Tazmanian Devil doll and a team-autographed basketball presented to guard Corrie Roberts when she became the first girl to score 1,000 points in school history.