CAPITOL HEIGHTS -- Central senior guard Alicia Clarke hadn't forgotten how her team's season ended a year ago at Centennial in the regional quarterfinals.
So when the Eagles came to Central, where the Falcons have lost only twice in three seasons, for last night's Class 2A, South Region championship, Clarke was ready to return the favor.
She did.
Clarke went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter and finished with 24 points to lead the Prince George's County school to a 66-54 victory and a trip to play Parkdside of Wicomico County in Friday's state tournament semifinal at UMBC.
"I just wanted to send them home like they sent us home last year," said Clark, who made 15 of 16 free throws in the game. "It feels good."
No. 13 Centennial (23-3) was trying to make its fourth state tournament appearance and second in three years, but Central was quicker, taller and much more athletic.
"Their quickness and ability to handle the ball, and they have several kids that can do that, really made it difficult for us," said Centennial coach Dave Greenberg. "We definitely struggled, and that's a credit to them. I think they're really good."
The game started to turn Central's way after Centennial used a 12-2 run to take a 25-16 lead with 2: 49 left in the second quarter. Central scored nine straight to tie the game before Ashley Evans (24 points) made one of her six three-point baskets with two seconds left to give Centennial a 30-27 halftime lead.
"The key was when we had that nine-point lead and let them off," Greenberg said. "We got a little impatient and made some defensive mistakes."
Central junior Nadiyah Simms (15 points) hit a three-pointer to start the second half and the Falcons outscored Centennial, 15-9, to take a 42-39 lead into the final period.
The Falcons' defense was much more intense and aggressive in the second half, and it created problems for the slower Eagles.
"We pushed our guards up in their backcourt and extended our defense to the wings," said Central coach Eugene Couser. "They couldn't hurt us underneath."
Central's tall and quick forwards neutralized Tia Richardson (five points) inside, and forced Evans and Stacie Tokasz (14 points, two three-pointers) to find openings outside. But with the Falcons' guards playing so far out, getting good shots wasn't easy.
Evans' three-pointer with 3: 52 left was Centennial's first basket of the fourth quarter, but by that time the Falcons had used a 13-4 run to take a 12-point lead. Central made 11 of 14 free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter and was 25 of 35 in the game.
"Our girls played hard and gave everything they had," said Greenberg, whose team handed No. 8 Glenelg its only loss in the regular-season finale to earn a share of the county title. "This team came so far. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but look at what they accomplished."
Pub Date: 3/07/99