Still, it appeared to be for the Almaden Roadrunners, who won four straight games to take the NJB Division III Girls All-Star championship in a tournament played in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

The Roadrunners knocked off Los Alamitos 30-11, Whittier 27-25 and the favored Santa Ana 29-25 to get into the finals, then the local girls pulled out a thrilling 20-18 victory over host Rancho Santa Margarita to claim the tournament championship.

Lindsay Allmon's driving bucket in the final moments of play lifted Almaden to the win in the title game. Baskets by Jessica Marshall, Courtney Lisowski and Jennah George had helped the Roadrunners battle from behind in the second half to pull out the win.

"The final became a defensive struggle as both teams fought off fatigue after playing four games in two days," said coach Todd Murakami. "But the Roadrunners showed the heart and courage of champions."

George and Nicole Johnston led the defensive effort for the champs. "They both continuously harassed their ballhandlers into committing numerous turnovers," added Murakami.

The girls had pulled out a clutch 29-25 win over Santa Ana in the semifinals, playing "its best game of the tournament," said the coach.

Krisanne Keiser, Emily Griffith and Lisowski were strong on the boards and Griffith and Aly Murakami led the fast-break offense as Almaden pushed its way to the win. George led a solid defensive effort and Marshall chipped in with key steals late in the game.

Allmon was the scoring leader for the locals with nine points and Lisowski pitched in eight.

The Roadrunners had opened the tourney with a 30-11 win over Los Alamitos. Griffith and Lisowski scored six points apiece to lead the locals.

A game later, Almaden edged Whittier by two points, 27-25. Amelia Rodriguez came through with a steal and ran the length of the court for a lay-up that turned the tempo of the game in Almaden's favor.

Murakami led the offense with her ball handling and passing, and Christiana Powery led the club on the boards.

Allmon and Griffith had five points each in the win.

"The Roadrunners' play was truly a total team effort with everyone making major contributions to this hard-earned championship," said Murakami. "Included in this effort was the overwhelming support of the parents, grandparents, siblings and fans, who all provided such a positive lift to the girls."