Published: March 03, 2008 10:26 am         

Garrett defeats Cecil, 71-66

FREDERICK - The Garrett Lakers earned a shot to play for the NJCAA National Championship in two weeks after hanging on to beat Cecil 71-66 in the Region XX Tournament Title game Sunday afternoon.

Tegra Hillman led the Lakers with 20 points, and Mindy Sharp added 18. Tanika Jeffers also scored in double figures with 17 points, and Blair Bradley had nine.

Garrett was ahead by 10 points with five minutes to play, but Cecil closed the gap to six points on a couple of three-point plays and the help of some missed foul shots from the Lakers. Bradley made a steal on an inbounds pass, and Garrett hit its final few foul shots to secure the victory.

"This is a great accomplishment for us," said Garrett coach Thea Garland. "We came together as a team the past few days, and beat top-seed Allegany and the third-seed Cecil, two very good teams."

The National Tournament begins on March 19 at Illinois Central College in Peoria (Ill.). The championship game will be played on March 22.

Ashley Loper scored 18 for Cecil.

"I would like to take my hat of to Coach Jerry Rice (Allegany College of Maryland) and Coach Andrew Costen (Cecil). They are two very good teams, and we were fortunate to win both games. Both of them should be proud of their teams," added Garland.

Garrett will enter the national tournament 25-4, with its only losses coming to Frederick, ACM twice and Cecil.

"We are proud that Garrett College is representing our region, and will do our best to bring home another championship."