Girls Basketball: Morgan Park beats Bogan in Public League semifinal

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Updated: March 4, 2012 8:14AM

Kendyl Nunn kept her cool when the game was at its craziest.

The Morgan Park senior took over the game down the stretch to lead the No. 6 Mustangs to a 54-51 victory over Bogan in the Public League semifinals Thursday night at Chicago State.

Morgan Park (19-7) will take on Whitney Young in the title game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Chicago State.

“I wanted the ball in my hands at the end of the game,’’ said Nunn, who finished with 23 points. “I was just being patient and keeping it in control.’’

Nursing a three-point lead in the final two minutes, Nunn and Debra Jenkins played keepaway with the ball until an opportunity arose. Nunn took advantage by scoring six points in the final minutes. From her guard position, she twice drove the lane for layups, including one that opened a 52-49 lead with 27 seconds remaining.

“She is a senior and a four-year starter for us,’’ Morgan Park coach Thomas Johnson said. “She put the team on her back.’’

Nunn converted two free throws that seemingly iced the game for the Mustangs at 54-49 with 14 seconds left.

Bogan (19-8) never quit, as China Davis converted a layup and then the Bengals forced a turnover with six seconds remaining. Jasmine Harris’ three-point shot came up short as the buzzer sounded.

The Bengals were leading 31-27 midway through the third quarter when Latrece Harris was whistled for a technical. That foul started a string of free throws for the Mustangs, who stepped to the line for 10 more free-throw attempts in the period.

Marsha Howard put Morgan Park ahead for good on a layup with 1:30 left in the third. That bucket came in the midst of a 14-3 Mustangs run.

Sahmi Goodman added 14 for Morgan Park. Caitlan Garanet led Bogan with 10 points.