MC had a nice crowd -- I'm terrible with estimates, but an easy 1,000 or so in the Arena as the game was going on and they were nice and loud .... Here are some other final thoughtss:

MC returns six of its top eight players next week, and those players combined for 42 points in the 54-51 loss in the state final ...

Freshman Valerie Moore showed her mettle when she was hammered from behind on a trey in the fourth quarter. She stepped to the line and hit all three FTs -- a tough task on these tight rims at Arco Arena ...

MC guard Marinna McKeever will be busy this summer working on her perimeter shot. She showed nice skills on defense in trying to stay with MD's slippery Jhazmine Lynch and looked comfortable helping run the offense when Henton had to sit late in the first half with 3 fouls, but she failed to score and MD didn't pay much attention to her on the perimeter ...

MC’s rushing it again and Garza gets her 4^th foul while trying to catch a long – and unnecessary pass. MD back at the line for the double-bonus and hits the 2^nd to make it 49-42 at 3:30 ...

MC coach Robb Spencer, frustrated with the lack of a set play being run, calls a 30-second TO at 3:10 with 13 seconds on the shot clock. It’s time for Henton to take charge ala the NorCal final against St. Mary’s. …

Brandi Henton at the line for 2 to open the fourth and 1’s good for a 40-31 lead … It’s an up-and-down the court game now, with both teams looking for the open court … MC is focusing on Jazz now, denying her an entry into the key and she’s finally looking to pass the ball. She hits 6-1 Soul who if fouled and Soul makes it 40-33 at 6:35 in the game …

MD’s getting tired again, as 6-2 Soul slaps from behind as freshman Valerie Moore tries a 3. It misses, but she hits all 3 FTs – nice job by a freshman who is likely to be The Bee’s Player of the Year in a few years – MC 43-33 …

MD’s Jazz at the line – have we heard this before?C – as she drives and gets fouled. She misses both, though, to keep it 37-31 … MC is struggling to score in any fashion and it’s letting MD back in the game. Turnovers have been the biggest problem, both in the open court and entry passes …

MC has its reserves on the court, with Henton and Lucchesi, and it’s still not scoring at :57 to go in the third quarter … Jazz back at the line after grabbing an OR and getting fouled. She’s good this time, and the 2^nd shot is – MD brings in a few subs, so we’ll see how that impacts the game – off the mark and it’s 37-32 …

The second half if tipping off with MC getting the ball first with a 31-19 lead … Quick turnover, though … MD scores off a rebound by Danae Johnson and another MC turnover gives it back to MD … Danielle Thompson’s 12-footer in transition gets MC on the board at 7:02 …

MC’s doing a better job on the boards to open the 2^nd half, with Taryn Garza and Lauren Lucchesi attacking the boards; There’s another as Garza swipes a ball and gets MD’s Danae Johnson to commit her 4^th foul at 5:36 … Brandi Henton nearly gets her 4^th foul – but the ball goes out of bounds before MD can get control of the ball …