From The Sun’s Katherine Dunn:

Looking for the reasons behind the continuation of No. 2 St. Frances’ run of six straight girls basketball championships, you can find plenty: dedication, athleticism, veteran center Kandice Green, overcoming obstacles, team chemistry, season-long growth in all aspects of the game.

But another reason has emerged in the last couple of years -- one individual completes a breakout season with superb play in the title game.

Sophomore guard Shatyra Hawkes was that player in Sunday’s 43-39 overtime upset of No. 1 Seton Keough for yet another Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference championship.

The 5-foot-3 thundercloud stormed through the fourth quarter almost unstoppable. Hawkes scored 10 of her 15 points in the quarter. Her free throw with 8.5 seconds left in regulation forced the game to overtime. Another free throw to open the extra session gave the Panthers the lead for good.

A year ago, the Panthers got a similar performance from LaKisha Walker, also a guard who now plays at Bowie State.

An already stellar defender, Walker became a consistent offensive threat as a senior and put a finishing touch on the conference crown, similar to Hawkes’ effort. She scored 18 points in the 68-63 overtime win against No. 2 McDonogh, but is best remembered for stealing a pass with 7.9 seconds to go in overtime and converting both free throws after McDonogh’s desperation foul.

If the Panthers keep finding girls with nerves of steel who can make plays like these, there might not be enough room in their gym for all the banners.