Kalia Parker never saw her winning layup carom through the hoop.

But she sure sensed it.

Parker's coast-to-coast layup with 23 seconds remaining Saturday lifted Hanford West High to a 56-55 victory over Selma at Selland Arena for the Central Section Division III title in girls basketball.

"I knew the clock was running down and I knew we needed a basket," Parker said. "So I drove, threw it up and prayed that it would go in.

"I didn't even see it go in, but I knew when everyone started cheering."

There was still work to do for the Huskies (27-6) to secure their first section title in school history -- and the second for their basketball programs in two days after the boys beat Garces 88-84 for the D-II title Friday.

Selma took its time coming back upcourt before Angela Cuevas drove the lane as the final seconds ticked away. There, she was met by Hanford West's 5-foot-11 center, Taylor Maxwell, who blocked Cuevas' shot with 2 ticks left on the clock.

Time expired as both teams scrambled for the ball. Hanford West's bench erupted in celebration when the final buzzer sounded.

"This doesn't even feel real right now -- it's like a dream," Maxwell said. "I honestly was trying my hardest not to foul, because I get in foul trouble almost every game."

Karsyn Guzman led Hanford West with 21 points despite missing a couple of minutes in the second half with a tweaked ankle. Jayla English added 18 points and nine rebounds.

Amanda Carlson had 15 points for Selma (30-2), which let a four-point lead slip away in the final 3:35. Cuevas added 12 points, and standout forward Erin Pallesi had 12 before fouling out with 3:13 remaining.

It was the second time this season Hanford West and Selma played a one-point game. The Bears edged the Huskies 52-51 in a December tournament.

"It's just heartbreaking," Carlson said while fighting back tears. "We've dreamed about this since the summer, and it's sad that it comes down to one point."

Two English free throws and a 3-pointer by Guzman with 2:40 left put Hanford West ahead 50-49. The lead changed hands four times in the final 2:13.

Hanford West committed 25 turnovers compared to Selma's 16, but it was a Bears miscue that proved most costly.

With Selma nursing a 55-54 lead, Maxwell stepped in front of Aneet Grewal and forced a turnover with 39 seconds left. Parker saved the ball in the corner before embarking on her winning drive.

"To get that ball to drop, in a game like this, shows that these kids just don't quit," Hanford West coach Mark Kairis said."The golden prize is there, and they don't stop."

Both teams will advance to the CIF Southern Regionals on Wednesday night. Seedings and pairings will be announced today.

The Huskies led 24-22 after a first half that would've been at home in a dark alley, or an octagon.

Flying elbows and shoulders led to numerous hard fouls. Just ask Parker, a little dazed after hitting the floor hard following a wild scramble for a loose ball.

"One of their players hooked me and my head hit the ground," Parker said. "I was like, 'Oh, that hurt really bad.' "

Parker shook it off and scored eight of her 10 points in the second half.

"She's a great finisher," Guzman said.

Selma knows all too well.