Spokane Stars Bring Home Third

The Spokane Stars lost their stellar glow Friday.

Spokane entered the day unbeaten in the AAU U18 national girls basketball tournament, with two chances to play for the title. The Stars lost twice - one rout and one heartbreaker - and settled for third place.

Spokane’s best previous finish was second, 10 years ago.

Minnesota North-Tartan Blue crushed the Stars 106-73 in the final game of the winners’ bracket. Twins Coco and Kelly Miller, both headed to Georgia, combined for 39 points from the point guard position.

Angelina Wolvert of Camas, Wash., scored 17 for the Stars, who held an early nine-point lead.

Spokane then played Indiana Mohr Magic for the right to take another shot at Minnesota in the title game. The Stars led by five with 50 seconds left, but missed five 1-and-1 situations. Indiana took the lead for the first time with 9 seconds left, and won 71-70.

Megan Franza of Leavenworth led Spokane with 15 points.