Bishop Gorman’s Dannielle Diamant (31), left, looks for a shot around Green Valley’s VaJae Robinson (30) in the 4A state semifinals on Thursday at the Orleans Arena.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 | 6:38 p.m.
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Dannielle Diamant admits her streak is impressive.
The Bishop Gorman senior center had 17 points and nine rebounds Thursday to lead the Gaels girls' basketball team to a 71-44 victory against Green Valley High in the large-school state semifinals at the Orleans Arena.
The win was Diamant's seventh victory in seven state tournament games with the three-time defending state champion Gaels.
When most high school athletes go their entire career without reaching the four-team state event, Diamant knows she's been fortunate to make an appearance each winter.
"I remember my freshman year and being so happy just to get in the game. It was so great," Diamant said.
Now she wants to extend the streak to an eighth straight win and fourth consecutive title. The win against Green Valley puts Gorman in the state championship game at 6 p.m. Friday.
"Everyone says that you play like you practice, and we had a great week of practice," Diamant said.
Gorman made quick work of Green Valley, opening the game on a 17-5 run and leading by double digits the rest of the way.
Junior guard Aaryn Ellenberg had a game-high 23 points but did not play most of the second half after re-injuring her ankle while jumping for a rebound. She is expected to play in the championship game.
Gorman lost to Centennial in last week's Sunset Regional championship game but beat Silverado 74-45 Monday in the state play-in game to earn the tournament's final berth.
The Gaels continued the momentum against Green Valley.
"We jumped on them real quick," Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich said.
Yahindra Edwards added eight points for Gorman, and Zhane Dikes had seven.
Green Valley, the Sunrise Regional champions, shot 22 percent and was held without a field goal in the second quarter as Gorman built a 46-22 lead by halftime.
Aja Flippen led the Gators with 15 points and Jazmine Jarvis had 14.
"The outcome wasn't what we wanted, but I'm still very proud of the girls," Green Valley coach Lorenzo Jarvis said. "We played until the final horn blew. The girls have nothing to be ashamed of."
True to its namesake, The Orleans gives visitors a year-round Mardi Gras feeling with a New Orleans French Quarter environment.
Located just a short way from the center of gambling on the Strip, The Orleans offers a collection of attractions that helps to draw in a mix of locals and visitors.
In addition to the 1,885 hotel rooms and 134,000-square foot casino, the property has a 70-lane bowling center, an 18-screen movie theater, an 850-seat showroom and a 9,500-seat arena, home to the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team.
The hotel also has 14 dining options, including Canal Street, The Prime Rib Loft, Koji Sushi Bar & China Bistro and Big Al’s Oyster Bar.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected].
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