Long Beach Poly Beats St. Paul Central 66-51

Long Beach Poly, who are ranked #4 in USA Today girl’s basketball poll, defeated St. Paul Central, who won the 2007 Minnesota girl’s state title 66-51 in the opening game of the 2008 Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout.

Long Beach Poly was led by guard April Cook, who signed with Washington State, with 15 points. Six-foot-3 Monique Oliver, considered one of the top juniors in the country and Ashley Wilson added eleven points each for the Jackrabbits. Six-foot All-American guard Jasmine Dixon, who was named California Interscholastic Federation Division 1 Player of the Year as a junior and signed with Rutgers, had nine points.

St. Paul Central was led by Minnesota signee Kiara Buford, who had a game-high 19 points. She was six of 17 from the field and six of six from the line. Theairra Taylor added 15 points. Georgie Jones, who inked with Marquette, had 13 points and eleven rebounds.