HS HOOPS: It's over! Harvard-Westlake wins Div. IV state title

Harvard-Westlake of Studio City just captured its first Div. IV girls' basketball state title, winning its 30th consecutive game with a 58-44 victory Friday over St. Mary's of Albany at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

Sydney Haydel had 20 points, Nicole Hung contributed 16 points and Nicole Nesbit added 15 points for the Wolverines (34-1), making their first appearance in a state final since losing to Acalanes of Lafayette 47-42 in the Div. III final in 1999.

It also marks the first state championship for Harvard-Westlake coach Melissa Hearlihy, who guided Alemany of Mission Hills to the 1998 Div. III state final against Sacred Heart Cathedral of San Francisco.

Hearlihy has more than 500 victories and six Southern Section championships to go with her state title in 25 seasons.

Danielle Mauldin led St. Mary's (31-4), making its first state championship appearance, with 14 points.