FORT MYERS, FL. — The Westlake Lions have achieved five championships in a four year span. Four of them are consecutive state titles in Georgia’s Class 7A and 6A. This year, they added the national title to their trophy case after beating the Paul VI Panthers 70-50.
Lions guard Ta’Niya Latson led all scorers with 31 points and earned the Player of the Game for her performance.
Latson and McDonald’s All-American and South Carolina signee Raven Johnson combined for 51 points in their semifinal game against Fremont. While they only combined for 48 points in this game, the duo’s presence was felt and on full display in this game.
After a tight game in the first half, resulting in a 20-18 lead in favor of Westlake, the Lions put their foot on the gas in the second quarter. While Johnson and Latson did the damage, Lions forward and Virginia Tech commit Brianna Turnage dominated on the defensive glass as well.
Turnage locked up the paint as the Lions allowed only four points in the second quarter. The Lions also went on a 15-4 run led by Latson to go up 33-22 with 2:15 to go in the second quarter.
On the last possession of the first half with five seconds left, Johnson pushed the basketball up the floor and kicked it out to Latson who drained a three-pointer at the buzzer. The Lions led by 15 at halftime.
The Panthers simply had no answer for the Lions in this game as the Lions continued to pour it on in the second half, increasing their lead to 23.
Turnage continued to lock up the paint, finishing the game with seven blocks creating opportunities for Johnson and Latson on the break. As the buzzer sounded, the Lions celebrated and the scoreboard remained in their favor.
Johnson finished the game second in scoring with 17 points while adding eight assists and seven rebounds.
Turnage added 11 points and 11 rebounds.
In conclusion, this year’s senior class finishes with four region championships and a 112-4 record with their last loss coming on January 10, 2020.
