TV: SportsTime Ohio, Time Warner Cable Ch. 99 for Dayton-area residents.
DIVISION I
Fairmont (26-1) vs. Twinsburg (26-0), 8:30 p.m.
It’s been another dream season for Fairmont, which lost in the D-I state semifinals last season. Except for a midseason misstep at Vandalia Butler, the Firebirds’ encore has been brilliant, especially with just one starter back in sophomore guard Chelsea Welch (14.4 points per game).
But twin 6-1 freshmen inside forces Makayla Waterman (12.9) and Kathryn Westbeld (13.2) have come up big, especially in the postseason. Sophomore Alona Skipper (7.8) continues to be a lethal long-ball threat, and Kelly Hart, the team’s only senior, is steady at guard.
Fairmont shut down Toledo Start’s 6-2 center Azia Bishop in its state semifinal win. But another imposing center awaits in Twinsburg’s 6-4 Malina Howard. All the junior did was put 19 points, 13 rebounds, five blocks and three steals on Pickerington North in a semifinal win.
Just as impressive, Twinsburg (Summit County, near Cleveland) KO’ed defending state champ Canton McKinley in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 regional final, 48-39. It was McKinley’s only loss.
DIVISION II
Carroll (23-4) vs. Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown (17-9), 10:45 a.m.
Like Fairmont, this is unknown territory for Carroll, which also is making its first state title appearance. And just like the Firebirds, the Patriots are loaded, with their best team in program history.
Everything Carroll does more often than not revolves around 6-0 junior guard Kelley Austria (12.3). And when she’s not driving to the hoop or hitting midrange jumpers, there’s always 6-6 senior center Ciara Triplett (8.4) to dish to.
Don’t be misled by Brown’s record. The Blazers have been on a postseason tear, when it matters most. Besides, this is the fifth straight state tourney they’ve been to and are looking for their third straight title.
Brown goes big, featuring 6-3 Sarah Polland (8.4) and 6-1 Venessa Smith (12.5).
DIVISION III
Anna (26-1) vs. Oak Hill (25-0), 5:15 p.m.
It’s hard to spot a weakness in Anna. The Rockets can run, defend and shoot extremely well, as Fort Recovery found out in a 57-40 loss to Anna in the state semifinals.
Megan Fogt (14.6) leads a balanced attack that includes Natalie Billing (13.7), Rebecca Burch (13.0) and Carrie Watkins (11.1).
The top-ranked Oaks were state runners-up in 2004 and ’09, and no doubt are geared up for their first title.
Breanna Butler (18.7) is best, followed by Taylor Hale (13.8). Taylor is the daughter of head coach Doug Hale.
DIVISION IV
Fort Loramie (22-5) vs. Canal Winchester Harvest Prep (26-1), 2 p.m.
It’s fitting that these two teams meet in the state final. Last season, Loramie blew an 18-point lead over Harvest Prep with 10 minutes remaining in their state semifinal game. That was one of the state tourney’s all-time greatest meltdowns. Think Loramie hasn’t thought rematch this season?
The Redskins, like Anna members of the Shelby County League, are led by Clair Ruhenkamp (13.5), Janel Olberding (11.0) and Brooke Turner (10.0). Loramie warmed up for this showdown by sending previously unbeaten Shadyside home wondering what just happened, 72-28 in the state semifinals.
Harvest Prep is loaded with NCAA D-I talent, led by 6-1 senior Shicole Watts (13.9) and Chelsea McKnight (12.5).