When Dillard and South Broward headed to Lakeland last week, Broward County pride was at stake for both impressive BCAA girls' basketball teams, who have had more success than any other area program throughout the years.

While Dillard used the play of Georgia Tech-bound guard Dawnn Maye to bring home a 5A state title, South Broward fell short in heart-breaking fashion in the 6A semifinal game against eventual state champion Lake Mary

Maye scored a game-high 25 points and had six rebounds and six steals to lead Dillard to a 53-44 victory against Gulfport Boca Ciega, winning its fifth state title, and first since 2005, moving it into second-place all-time among county schools and fourth in the state.

The Panthers (27-4) have won all five of their championships under legendary coach Marcia Pinder, who has coached Dillard for 33 seasons, and led the program to nine state final four appearances.

Playing without injured senior forward Candace Parson, a Tennessee Tech signee, junior forward T'Keyah Williams picked up the slack as well with 10 rebounds, and Kayla Wright had nine points and six rebounds. Senior Kianna Conner had 12 points and five rebounds.

For the two games at the state final four, Maye finished with a combined 47 points and nine steals.

BULLDOGS WATCH LEAD DISAPPEAR
Leading 35-23, South Broward looked like it was heading toward a chance at a seventh state championship. But over the final five minutes numerous turnovers and a 16-1 run by Lake Mary watched the dreams dashed.

Morgan Jones, who was just 4 of 20 from the field on the night, hit a 30-foot shot at the buzzer to give the Rams a 39-36 win, ending the brilliant career of University of Miami-bound guard Krystal Saunders.

After the game, all head coach Sharylene Ferguson could do was compliment Lake Mary and talk about the great run her Bulldogs put together during a season that saw the team lose just twice – both to state champions (Dillard and Lake Mary).

``It took a 30-footer to beat us. Lake Mary is a good team. We fought to the end,'' she said.

Even with all the mistakes made by South Broward, the Bulldogs led 35-34 with 23 seconds remaining while attempting to inbound under their own basket. However, Lake Mary's Sarah Taylor stole the ball from Elisha Neely under the Bulldogs' basket. She missed the layup attempt but grabbed the rebound and was fouled on her second attempt by Neely. Taylor hit both free throws, giving Lake Mary a 36-35 lead.

Saunders led South Broward with 14 points.

GIBBONS AND BOYD ANDERSON HEAD TO STATE
It took a last second shot to end what has been a dream season for Miramar High's athletic program. The Patriots were beaten by Boyd Anderson, which will represent the BCAA in the 6A boys' state basketball championships this weekend in Lakeland.

Cardinal Gibbons headed to Fort Pierce Central with one thing on their mind – get to the state championship game. The Chiefs accomplished that goal with a win and will make a run at a 4A title.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).