SOUTHERN SECTION BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS : Girls : Foothill, Brea Again in Final

You’d never know it by looking at the coach, but Brea-Olinda High School girls’ basketball beat Walnut, 68-55, Tuesday in a Southern Section 3-A semifinal game at Diamond Bar High School.

But for Mark Trakh, the Wildcats’ coach, the experience wasn’t entirely pleasant. He wore a pained expression through much of the game, as his team’s play alternated between exceptional and flat.

In the the first quarter the Wildcats--though taller inside--were outrebounded, 10-6. In the second and third quarters, Brea outscored Walnut, 41-22. But the Wildcats walked through the fourth quarter and were outscored, 22-13. Brea’s 23-point lead dwindled to 10.

“We played sloppy in parts and we didn’t try as hard as we should at other times,” Trakh said.

What gave Brea the edge was the play of its front line--Carrie Egan, Kristen McPhee and Susan Tousey--who combined for 46 points. Egan led all scorers with 22.

“I think the reason for being flat is that the girls are looking ahead to Foothill.”

Foothill beat Brea, 63-34, in the 3-A final last year, something Trakh, his players and the Brea crowd who chanted, “We want Foothill,” haven’t forgotten.

The Knights’ 63-53 win over Louisville in the other semifinal, sets the stage for a rematch.

“We’ve been waiting for this for quite a while,” Trakh said. “It’s been our incentive all year. During practice this week I think I’ll wear a headband with 63-34 written on it. Or maybe I’ll put McFerson’s name on the headband.”

Trakh alluded to Foothill’s 6-foot 3-inch center Chris McFerson, who scored 28 points in last season’s final. With the 6-2 Tousey, a sophomore and the 6-1 McPhee, Trakh is hoping things are different this year.

“This is our fourth straight final, that ties a record with set by Riverside Poly,” said Trakh, whose teams have lost in all three previous finals. “I just hope we don’t lose and set a record of our own.”