Saturday, 3:05 p.m., Augusta Civic Center
Thornton Academy starters
• Alex Hart, fr., G: 5.0 ppg, 3.1 apg, 3.2 spg
• Katie McCrum, sr., G: 8.0 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.7 spg
• Ashley Howe, jr., F: 11.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 spg
• Victoria Lux, sr., F: 10.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 3.0 bpg
• Abby Strickland, sr., C: 5.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg
Keys for Thornton Academy: It all comes down to defense for the Trojans, who are making their first appearance in a state championship game. They allowed an average of 27.6 points a game in the regular season, and only 30 a game in the playoffs. Lawrence has averaged 65 points a game. Look for the Trojans to pressure Lawrence’s guards on the perimeter, to make it difficult to get the ball into leading scorer Nia Irving and to cut off the Bulldogs’ penetration. Offensively the Trojans have to take care of the ball better than they did in the regional final and have a better inside-outside balance.
Lawrence starters
• Dominique Lewis, jr., G: 12.4 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.3 spg
• Jordyn Towers, sr., G: 3.5 ppg, 3.8 apg
• Paige Belanger, sr., F: 10.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg
• Abby Weigang, sr., F: 7.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg
• Nia Irving, jr., C: 22.3 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 2.0 spg
Keys for Lawrence: This will be a new experience for the Bulldogs as well, who are making their first appearance in a state championship game since 1994 – the last of Cindy Blodgett’s four consecutive state titles. John Donato, who has over 500 career victories, knows his team will be tested by Thornton’s defense. The key will be for his guards to handle the pressure and remain patient. The Bulldogs cannot simply rely on outside shooting. They have to get the ball inside and make good passes. Defensively, Lawrence has to be wary of Thornton’s guards, Katie McCrum and Alex Hart.
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