CHATTER: UCLA'S WILLIS GETS HER TURN IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

Byline: Ramona Shelburne Staff Writer

For a player who has led the Pacific-10 Conference in 3-pointers and steals for two consecutive seasons, UCLA senior guard Lisa Willis has gotten surprisingly little national recognition.

That's what happens when you have two All-American teammates: senior guard Nikki Blue and junior guard Noelle Quinn.

This summer, Willis has been the one to shine. She was selected Monday afternoon to represent the United States at the Aug. 10-19 World University Games in Izmir, Turkey.

``I'm really excited,'' said Willis, a Narbonne High of Harbor City product. ``Any one of them (Blue or Quinn) could and should be here with me, but maybe they were looking for specific things. ... But this is definitely going to make me a better player, and, hopefully, it'll carry over into what we do this year at UCLA.''

Others who tried out for the 12-member team, aside from Blue and Quinn, were UCLA sophomore Lindsey Pluimer, USC junior Eshaya Murphy (Montclair Prep of Panorama City) and USC sophomore Brynn Cameron.

--A wrist injury has cost former Valencia High and Brigham Young University softball standout Lauren Watson-Perry an opportunity to compete for Spain's national team or join a professional league.

Watson-Perry, a power-hitting catcher, isn't ready to hang up her cleats. She plans to rejoin the team at BYU as a graduate assistant this fall, and she hasn't ruled out plans to join Spain's national team next summer - her grandmother is Spanish - or to hook on with the six-team National Pro Fastpitch League.

--Former Pepperdine basketball standout Terrance Johnson averaged 23 points over nine games to lead his USA-Passing Lane All-Star team to the Jones Cup championship in Taiwan.

The Jones Cup is an annual international tournament named after Dr. William Jones, the first FIBA Secretary General.

Former Lakers second-round draft pick Marcus Douthit averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds in the tournament. USA finished 9-0, beating the national teams from Taiwan, India and the Philippines.

--Former Royal of Simi Valley shortstop Phil Boscarino committed to play for UC Riverside, where he'll join former Royal teammate D.J. Smith. Boscarino is in Easley, S.C., this week with the Thousand Oaks Big League team competing in the 18-under Little League Big League World Series.

--Nancy Tinkham already is having an impact on the girls' volleyball program at Village Christian of Sun Valley.

Tinkham, who left Flintridge Sacred Heart of La Canada Flintridge after more than a decade to take over the Crusaders' program, led Village Christian to the championship of its summer league with a 25-27, 25-15, 15-9 victory Wednesday night over Holy Family of Glendale.

The Crusaders, behind outside hitter Jackie Ruiz and middle blockers Allyce Archie and Alex Dill, rebounded from a 2-2 start to win six consecutive matches. They beat previously undefeated Providence of Burbank 25-20, 25-19 in Wednesday's semifinals.

Flintridge Sacred Heart hasn't struggled in Tinkham's absence. Shelly Orlandini, Tinkham's former assistant, has led the Tologs to an undefeated record in the Pasadena Poly summer league.

--Crescenta Valley's 12-under softball team, which is competing in the Little League Western Regionals in Vancouver, Wash., is seeking financial assistance to cover travel costs. Donations can be made to Tim Dow, c/o Major Travel Fund, C.V. Little League, P.O. Box 156, Montrose, CA 91021.

--SlamJam basketball is looking for incoming sophomore players for its Aug. 28 showcase. Information: [phone].

--Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks High is looking for a boys' water polo coach. Information: [phone].

Erik Boal and Gerry Gittelson contributed.

Ramona Shelburne, [phone]

ramona.shelburne(at)dailynews.com