Crean Lutheran narrowly misses upset of defending CIF champ Flintridge Prep

Sydnee Norwood of Crean Lutheran drives to the basket Tuesday night. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, Howard Lyon).

Crean Lutheran High School’s girls basketball team came close to upsetting Flintridge Prep, the defending CIF 3AA champion in the Battle of the Beach Tournament on Tuesday night at Redondo Union High School.

Flintridge Prep held on for a 45-44 victory.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Madison Nguyen of Crean Lutheran takes a shot.

Crean Lutheran coaches Bianca Ziemann and Rachael Ziemann talk to the Saints during a timeout.

Sydnee Norwood of Crean Lutheran goes to the basket.

Crean Lutheran (1-1) was playing without starters Jane Hewitt and Savannah Brawley, who were out injured, according to co-head coach Bianca Ziemann.

The Saints were led by junior forward Sydnee Norwood who had 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals; Jane Moyer, who had nine points and five rebounds and Elise Randolph, who had eight points and three rebounds.

“We play Pioneer tonight (Wednesday) to finish off our pool play in hopes of still having a chance to make the championship game,” Ziemann said.