Coleman takes over for Marshall

Updated: March 23, 2011 3:24PM

Dorothy Gaters is the state's leader in career basketball victories. Marquiesha Coleman knows to take what she has to say directly to heart.

"Coach told me I had to take over in the fourth quarter," the senior Marshall guard said.

Coleman hit a three-pointer for a go-ahead Commando lead and scored nine of her game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter as Marshall defeated fierce neighborhood rival Crane 64-56 to capture the Class 3A Sectional title at Marine Military Thursday night.

"This was the game we wanted," Coleman said. "Crane's in our own conference and we split 1-1 during the season and they beat us the last time we played."

Aphiphany Woods added 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Commandos, who advance to Monday's Loyola 3A Supersectional against St. Joseph.

Marshall (21-7) survived a spirited rally by the Cougars, who converted 11 three-pointers to fight back from a 10-point, second-quarter deficit. Marshall scored the game's opening nine points. Crane (19-10) trailed 43-35 with just under three minutes to play in the third quarter before launching its long-range attack.

Reserve guard Sh'Knolly Smith nailed two three-pointers as Crane hit four consecutive three-pointers in a 12-4 flourish. Freshman Caprice Spann, who scored 12 points, capped the barrage with a shot that forged the game's first tie at 47.

Crane took its only lead at 50-47 on Spann's three-pointer on the opening possession of the fourth quarter.

That's when Coleman took charge. Her three-pointer from the left wing returned the lead to the Commandos at 51-50. Keshawnee Alley (14 points) scored on a breakaway lay up off a steal to extend Marshall's lead to 56-52.

After Crane's Ruvanna Campbell (nine points, nine rebounds) scored on an offensive putback, Coleman scored on consecutive baskets off penetration to punch the Commandos' ticket to the Supersectional.

"I was calling out the plays, and I just knew to wait for my time and use my speed to get to the basket and they couldn't really stop me," Coleman said.

Sophomore Shamesha Gill came off the bench to score 12 points for the Cougars.

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