Prep Charter rolls to Pub title

Suffering from a chest cold, Prep Charter star Kahleah Copper managed only six points in the first half of Saturday afternoon's Public League girls' basketball final against Central.

The Huskies, thanks to a talented and whirlwind backcourt combination, did not let Copper's subpar start come between them and a second straight championship.

Sophomore transfer Hannah Timmons and freshman Ciani Cryor combined for 21 points and nine assists, igniting a 70-34 romp over the Lancers at Community College of Philadelphia.

"I love those two girls," said Copper, who finished with a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds. "Ciani can find anybody in traffic. Hannah expands the court with her quickness, and she's a good outside shooter."

Cryor, a 5-foot-2 point guard, posted nine points, six rebounds (three on offense), six assists, and four steals. She honed her skills at Wakisha Charter School, at Ninth and Jefferson in North Philly.

Timmons, a 5-8 wing player who came over from Coatesville, notched six points in each half. She added five rebounds (three on offense), four steals, and three assists.

Cryor and Timmons helped Prep Charter (24-3) overcome the loss of Tiffany Johnson (now at Drexel) and Bria Young (St. Francis) to graduation.

"I think being around Kahleah and playing with her has helped them gain a lot of confidence," Huskies coach Paul Rieser said.

In defending its title, Prep Charter forced 30 turnovers. Ahead by 29-16 at intermission, the squad, causing havoc with its full-court pressure, opened the second half with a 20-2 run. Game over.

Rieser said he scouted Central (18-5) very little entering the final.

"I worry about what we do," he said. "If we execute like we should, we'll be fine. We'll play anybody, anywhere, anytime."

The Rutgers-bound Copper scored nine points in a 24-11 third quarter. Eight of her 11 boards came on the offensive end. "She's a quality team player, a good role model for the younger players," Cryor said.

Indiah Cauley (seven boards) and Ciera Nimmons, who came off the bench because of a groin injury, aided the Huskies with eight points apiece. Erica Smith-Sowell, a 6-1 center, blocked three shots.

Ranija McClinek paced the Lancers, who shot 13 for 45 from the floor, with 14 points and 10 rebounds (five on offense). Melissa Livingston equaled McClinek's rebound total.

Central   9 7 11 7 – 34

Prep Charter   16 13 24 17 – 70

C: Kayla Henderson 8, Asia Mosee 2, Melissa Livingston 4, Ranija McClinek 14, Shaniqu Mattis 5, Samantha Marrero 1.

PC: Hannah Timmons 12, Ciani Cryor 9, Erica Smith-Sowell 4, Indiah Cauley 8, Kahleah Copper 19, Ciera Nimmons 8, Ahnje Timbers 2, Lorna Caesar 4, Briana McNeil 2, Deanna Richmond 2.