Artesia Starts Fast, Finishes With a Title

Lakewood Artesia did not waste time taking control of the girls’ Southern Section Division II-A championship game Friday at the Pyramid in Long Beach.

The top-seeded Pioneers bolted to an 8-0 lead in the first 69 seconds, scored the first 13 points and went on to defeat Pasadena Muir, 76-47, to win their first section title since 1983.

Sophomore Lauren Ervin, a transfer who led Torrance Bishop Montgomery to the state Division III title last season, scored 20 points and had 16 rebounds for Artesia (30-1). Lindsey Thomas added 17, Cacie Pope 14, Brittney Thomas 12 and Christian Jackson 11.

Jennifer Cleeland scored 15 points and Tye’sha Fluker had 12 points and 13 rebounds for third-seeded Muir (24-5).