Girls’ basketball: Antelope Valley falls in state Division IV final

With her team trailing by two points in the final seconds, Antelope Valley point guard Tyler Smith drove into the teeth of the defense, only to find Lauren Walker of Cardinal Newman waiting.

Walker blocked Smith’s shot in the lane at the buzzer to give Cardinal Newman a 39-37 victory in the CIF state Division IV championship game at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento.

“I’m heartbroken right now,” said Smith, who finished with 10 points. “I was just trying to push the ball up the floor but I forced up the shot. I should’ve used better judgment.”

Tylen Price had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Lopes (30-3), who suffered their first loss in 31 games.

“I’m a little sad because I hate to lose, but I’m proud of the girls and it was a win just getting here,” Antelop Valley Coach Deon Prince said. “The shots just weren’t falling today. At times it seemed like the basket was bigger on their end than ours.”

Hailey Vice-Neat had 19 points (including three 3-pointers) and 12 rebounds and Walker added 11 rebounds and seven blocks for the Cardinals (31-5), who overcame a 24-19 halftime deficit.

-- Steve Galluzzo

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