Gorham captains Nicole Walker, Anna Nelson and Sophia Michaud celebrate after the Rams won the Class AA South title last weekend. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer
CLASS AA
WHO: Cheverus (17-3) vs. Gorham (18-3)
WHEN: 7:05 p.m. Saturday
WHERE; Cross Insurance Arena, Portland
TV: MPBN’s “The World” channel (1276 TW/Spectrum; 164 Comcast)
KEY PLAYERS: Cheverus – Maddie Fitzpatrick, so., G/F (19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 steals); Emma Lizotte, so., C (14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds); Lillie Singleton, sr., G (9.9 points, 3.4 assists); Julia Kratzer, sr., G (4.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 steals); Gorham – Anna Nelson, sr., G (12.8 points, 4.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds); Brylee Bishop, sr., G (11.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals), Ellie Gay, so., G (9.9, points, 2.1 assists), Sophia Michaud, sr., C (6.1 points, 6.7 rebounds).
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: These are two very similar teams that rely on intense defensive pressure and controlling the tempo. Gorham is going to have to rebound well against the taller Stags, especially on the defensive end. The Rams cannot allow the Stags to get easy second chances. Cheverus, meanwhile, has to contend with Gorham’s outside shooting. If the Rams are knocking down 3s, they are tough to beat. So look for the Stags to extend their defense and get Gorham out of its comfort zone. No players on either team have championship game experience, so the team that settles in first should have an advantage.
Senior Jaycie Christopher and Skowhegan High will meet Greely in the Class A championship game. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel
CLASS A
WHO: Skowhegan (21-0) vs. Greely (16-4)
WHEN: 1:05 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Cross Insurance Arena, Portland
TV: MPBN
KEY PLAYERS: Skowhegan – Jaycie Christopher, sr., G (23.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.5 steals); Callaway LePage, jr., F (16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds); Annabelle Morris, so., G (7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists); Maddy Morris, so., G (6.0 points, 2.4 assists). Greely – Chelsea Graiver, sr., G (17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.8 steals); Sophia Ippolito, jr., G (10.9 points, 2.8 steals, 2.8 assists); Kaiyla Delisle, sr., C (9.5 points, 8.6 rebounds); Asja Kelman, so., G (7.4 points., 6.0 rebounds).
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: This game matches two of the best players in the state, both of whom will play at the college level. Christopher is heading to Boston University, and Graiver will attend Stonehill College. They dictate what their teams do, offensively and defensively. Both have the ability to hit 3-pointers or break down a defense on a drive. Christopher will likely guard Graiver. Greely is going to have to find a way to slow Christopher. The inside battle between LePage and Delisle also will be very interesting. The teams are going to have to find different ways to score, as they’ve done all year. Greely must withstand Skowhegan’s penchant for big runs. The River Hawks are known to break open a game very quickly.
Seacoast Christian won its first regional championship last weekend. The Guardians meet Southern Aroostook in the Class D championship game on Saturday. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
CLASS D
WHO: Southern Aroostook (21-0) vs. Seacoast Christian (13-6)
WHEN: 1:05 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Augusta Civic Center
TV: MPBN’s “The World” channel (1276 TW/Spectrum; 164 Comcast)
KEY PLAYERS: Southern Aroostook – Madison Russell, jr., G (MVP of the Class D North tournament, where she averaged 15.7 points a game); Cami Shields, so., G (averaged 16.0 points in regional tournament); Madison Shields, so. G; Emmalee Landry, so., F. Seacoast Christian – Breckyn Winship, jr., F (12.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists); Kaitlyn Jandreau, sr., G (8.0 points, 3.8 points); Ellie Leech, so., G (6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists); Leela Hilton, so., F (3.3 points, 3.9 rebounds).
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Seacoast Christian is making its first appearance in a state championship game and will have to contend with perennial contender Southern Aroostook, which is appearing in its fourth consecutive championship game. The Warriors can pile up points in a hurry behind a three-pronged attack of Madison Russell, Cami Shields and Madison Shields. Their average margin of victory is 40 points. Many of their points come off their half-court trap. … The Guardians, meanwhile, can play pretty good defense, especially against Class D opponents. Seacoast went 5-6 against Class C competition, but 8-0 against Class D teams, giving up just 28.9 points per game in those eight games. Winship, Leech and Jandreau will lead the offense.
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