Stars Knock Off Defending Champs For Berth In Finals Crystal Lee’s 13 Points Helps U18 Stars Defeat Team Texas

After knocking off the team to beat Wednesday, the U18 Spokane Stars are one win away from becoming the team to beat.

Crystal Lee’s 13 points and five assists helped the Stars beat defending champion Team Texas 80-70 in a championship bracket semifinal of the AAU girls national basketball tournament.

Jennifer Williams added nine rebounds and Megan Franza 13 points for the Stars, who play Minnesota North-Tartan Blue Friday morning for the championship bracket title. Minnesota is led by 5-foot-10 twin guards Coco and Kelly Miller, both signed by Georgia.

Friday’s winner will win the national title unless it is beaten twice Saturday by the consolation bracket survivor. The Stars, guaranteed at least third place, finished second at the tourney 10 years ago.

Spokane’s depth and defense allowed it to overcome foul trouble to posts Leann Sheets and Angelina Wolvert, who played a combined 12 minutes.

Becky Woods scored 16 for Texas, which played without 1996 team member Tamika Catchings. Catchings, who has signed to play at Tennessee, is working with the U.S. national team.

The U17 Stars were eliminated by Philadelphia 58-53 after leading at halftime 28-23.

Alison Asher had 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots for the Stars, who finished 4-2 and earned a top-16 placing.

Southern Mississippi eliminated the U16 Stars 74-65. No details were reported.