Fairmont is attempting to win the second state title in program history and complete its first-ever perfect season. Princeton is seeking its second championship since 2023 and its fourth overall.
Check back for updates from the game as the action occurs.
FOURTH QUARTER
Princeton leads 40-36 with 3:43 remaining.
Fairmont’s struggles from the free throw that plagued them in the semifinals showed up again early in the fourth. Erin Thomas tied the game at 35 with 4:23 to play with a pair of free throws and Simone Smith hit a three from the corner to put Princeton in front 20 seconds later.
The Firebirds have not made a field goal yet in the fourth quarter.
Princeton takes the lead with 4:03 to play. 40-36 Vikings. Fairmont is 2 of 6 from the foul line in the fourth. pic.twitter.com/AWhj7GCQ8q
— Steven Wright (@Steven_Wright_) March 15, 2026
THIRD QUARTER
The state championship is up for grabs with eight minutes remaining Fairmont’s lead is down 34-31 going to the fourth.
A fast start to the period saw Janiyah Hargrave and Nico Cornett score on uncontested layups to quickly build Fairmont’s lead back to double digits.
Fairmont kept Princeton off the scoreboard for nearly four minutes before Erin Thomas made a layup while being fouled. Kiara Harris got another to pull back within three with 2:40 left in the quarter, and Thomas got their deficit to one before Lena Buskard scored in the final minute.
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
SECOND QUARTER
Fairmont is one half away from completing its undefeated season, leading Princeton 25-19.
The Vikings did close the period on a 10-4 run capped by an Erin Thomas three. Princeton was efficient in the period and kept Fairmont from scoring off of turnovers in transition.
Fairmont had an offensive lull for the early minutes of the second quarter that allowed Princeton to pull back within eight. The Firebirds came out of a timeout with two consecutive possessions attacking the basket to get on track, but Princeton continuing hitting shots.
Thornton has 14 points for Fairmont. Kiara Harris leads Princeton with eight.
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
FIRST QUARTER
Fairmont completely controls the opening eight minutes and leads 18-7.
Nico Cornett got the first steal of the night three seconds in to the game, but Princeton struck first with a layup a little more than a minute in.
Fairmont’s immediately grabbed the lead after on Janiyah Hargrave’s three from above the key. Kaylah Thornton followed with two consecutive from the college line.
Thornton has 11 points already. The Firebirds have four team assists on its six made field goals.
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