HAMMOND -- Raiyawna Gatlin scored 15 points to push Southwood past Archbishop Chapelle 43-40 for the Class 5A title at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state championship tournament at Southeastern Louisiana University on Friday.

Gatlin was named the game's Most Valuable Player, hitting seven of 11 field goals and adding six rebounds for the Lady Cowboys (37-3). This is the 10th title for Southwood, which has won eight of the last 11 state championships.

Olivia Grayson led Chapelle with 17 points, while Sarah Carr had 11.

Southwood saw its lead cut to one point five times in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Cowboys responded each time. Ahead 41-40, Jasmine Grant sank two free throws for Southweood with 18.2 seconds left.

With only four team fouls, Southwood fouled Chapelle twice to prevent the Chipmunks (29-8) from setting up a three-point shot and tipped away the inbounds pass with 2.1 seconds left to seal the win.

Chapelle led 12-3 after the first quarter, as Southwood missed seven of its first eight field goals. But Southwood went on a 14-2 scoring run in the second quarter, led by Gatlin and Grant each scoring five points, to take a 20-19 lead at the half.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)