East Central Cruises past Booker T. Washington

Originally Published: Mar 12, 2010 6:25 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The East Central girls’ basketball team will meet the McAlester Lady Buffaloes for a shot at the 5A state championship on Saturday. The Lady Cardinals topped Booker T. Washington 53-38 to advance to the title round.

East Central jumped out to an early lead against the Lady Hornets and didn’t give it up. Sophomore guard Uknique Gaines played well in the first two quarters, distributing the ball well and scoring when her team needed it.

Ebonie Jackson scored seven first half points for East Central, as they took a 26-13 lead into halftime.

The Lady Cardinals won Friday’s semifinal game with defense. Booker T. Washington only hit two field goals in the first two quarters. Kami Burch netted a 3-pointer in the first quarter and Kaylan Mayberry nailed a 3-pointer in the final minute of the half. The Lady Hornets hit seven free throws in the first 16 minutes.

The win was the third of the season over Booker T. Washington for the Lady Cardinals. They finished the season 3-1 against their crosstown rivals.

Saturday’s championship game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. from ORU’s Mabee Center. The Lady Cardinals enter the game ranked third in the state. The Lady Buffaloes are ranked seventh.