THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 24, 1996 TAG: 9602240469
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Tasha Basnight was a jumping, spinning, scoring blur and Raquita Washington was a thieving, pesky defender with an eye for the basket.
The two combined for 35 points to pace Booker T. Washington's 57-36 victory in the Eastern District girls basketball semifinals Thursday night at Maury.
With the win, the Bookers (13-6) gained a berth in today's 6 p.m. district title game against regular season champion Maury (14-6). Both teams will advance to the Eastern Region tournament next week.
Basnight carried the load early, scoring 13 first-half points as Booker T. ran out to a 27-17 lead. The freshman forward closed the game with 22 points and seven rebounds.
Washington collected 13 points, six steals, five assists and three rebounds. As the Titans (14-7) attempted to battle back into contention in the fourth quarter, the junior guard intercepted key passes and caused Lake Taylor turnovers.
``We were just trying to get further than we did last year,'' she said. ``I was just doing what I do. I'm real proud of the team.''
After struggling defensively in the opening moments, Booker T. adapted to the strategy of their coach, Cal Davidson, and put together a 13-6 second-quarter run.
``They did some things defensively wrong, people were out of position,'' Davidson said. ``But they adjusted. . . . they settled down.''
Karen Johnson added 13 for the Bookers.
In tonight's 7:30 boys final, regular-season champion Maury (22-0) will host Lake Taylor (14-6). Both teams already have secured region berths. by CNB