McNicholas vs. Canfield

        • WHAT: Division II state championship

        • WHEN: 2 p.m.

        • WHERE: Schottenstein Center, Ohio State University, Columbus

        • RECORDS: McNicholas 21-6, Canfield 21-6

        • STARTING LINEUPS: McNicholas—F Lynn Ober- schmidt (5-11, So.), F Kim Breving (5-11, So.), C Ashley Clark (6-0, Sr.), G Kendra Hornschemeier (5-7, Sr.), G Betsey Clark (5-8, So.). Canfield—F Julie Playforth (5-9, Sr.), F Nicole Vlajkovich (5-9, Jr.), G Jenny Miller (5-5, Sr.), G Erin Martin (5-8, Jr.), G Kelly Williams (5-4, So.).

        • NOTABLE: This is a matchup of contrasting styles. McNicholas relies on inside strength; Canfield's assets are quickness and drives to the basket.

        McNicholas should have little trouble scoring on the inside with Ashley Clark, Kim Breving and Lynn Oberschmidt all 5-foot-11 or taller. Canfield's biggest players check in at 5-foot-9.

        Senior point guard Kendra Hornschemeier may be the key for the Rockets, especially against a Cardinal press that Eastwood never solved in the state semifinals Thursday.

        When Canfield went to the press after falling behind 12-3 with 1:54 remaining in the first quarter, the game turned around with the Cardinals taking a 33-22 halftime lead.

        Substitute Jill Vertanen, inserted in them lineup when starter Jenny Miller got into foul trouble, didn't miss from the field and came up with several key field goals in the fourth quarter.

        But Canfield's three-guard offense of Erin Martin (18 ppg), Jenny Miller (6 ppg) and Kelly Williams (5 ppg) are the biggest threats along with forwards Julie Playforth (9 ppg) and Nicole Vlajkovich (11.4 ppg).

        If McNicholas gets into a running game with the Cardinals, it could be a mistake, although the Rockets are capable of getting up and down the floor in a hurry.

        Unranked in the Associated Press Division II state poll, Canfield brings a 12-game winning streak into the game. McNicholas is on a 10-game run.

        Neither team has won a girls state basketball championship, although Canfield is making a third appearance, finishing second in 1992 and losing in the semifinals in 1991.

        Eastern Brown vs. South Euclid Regina

        • WHAT: Division III state championship

        • WHEN: 11 a.m.

        • WHERE: Schottenstein Center at Ohio State University, Columbus

        • RECORDS: Eastern Brown 26-0, Regina 24-3

        • STARTING LINEUPS: Eastern Brown—F Sarah Jodrey (5-8, Sr.), F Jessi Ellis (5-8, Sr.), G Brenna Morris (5-8, So.), G Elizabeth Burrows (5-9, Sr.), G Micah Harvey (5-8, Jr.). Regina—F Ari Moore (6-0, Sr.), F Siedah Williams (6-2, So.), C Rachel Spadafore (6-2, Sr.), G Sarah Burgess (5-10, Jr.), G Simone Redd (5-8, Fr.).

        • NOTABLE: This matchup has the makings of a mismatch.

        A big, strong, quick, good-shooting and well-coached team, Regina averages 72.8 points a game while holding opponents to 37 points an outing.

        Regina plays an extremely tough schedule that includes Division I powers Canton McKinley, Cleveland East Tech, Cleveland Heights and Mason, along with 2000 Division II state champion Bishop Hartley.

        The defending state champion Royals feature four college prospects in senior Ari Moore (16.3 ppg), freshman Simone Redd (8.2 ppg), junior Sarah Burgess (13.5 ppg) and sophomore Siedah Williams (13 ppg).

        Although Regina prefers getting the ball inside to Moore and Williams, the Knights have excellent outside shooters in Burgess and Redd.

        Defense is another strength. The Royals forced Wyoming into 25 turnovers in a 75-54 semifinal victory; Burgess alone had 13 steals.

        Finding a defense to slow the Royals may be tough for Eastern Brown, especially without a big player on the inside.

        Eastern Brown's strength is from the perimeter with a three-guard offense that is triggered by Brenna Morris (10.4 ppg), Elizabeth Burrows (12.6 ppg) and Micah Harvey (17.3 ppg).

        Although the Warriors are excellent perimeter shooters, they may have a tough time getting off shots due to Regina's superior quickness.

        In order to contend, Eastern Brown must stay out of foul trouble, rebound well and shoot better than 50 percent from the field.

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