The MAIS State Basketball 4A, Division I Championships were decided Saturday, capping off a season of anticipation and high-level play. Here’s a recap of the finals and key moments from the matchups.
In the girls’ championship, Fairmont Academy aimed to capture its first state title since 2019, facing off against perennial powerhouse Central Valley School.
Early in the contest, Cougars’ guard Ava Thompson set the tone, sinking three consecutive three-pointers to give Fairmont an early edge. Central Valley’s Emily Sanders answered with a strong drive to the basket, trimming the deficit and igniting the Patriots’ offense.
At halftime, Fairmont maintained a narrow five-point advantage.
Coming out of the break, Thompson continued to impress, delivering a pinpoint assist to teammate Jordan Riley for a smooth mid-range jumper, sparking a scoring run for the Cougars.
Central Valley refused to back down, with Sanders connecting on a clutch three-pointer late in the game in an effort to close the gap. However, Fairmont’s momentum proved too strong, as they secured the 4A, Division I Girls State Championship with a final score of 54-45.
“It’s really special. I’ve coached these girls since they were in elementary school. Central Valley has been a hurdle in past championships, but today was our turn, and we refused to be denied,” said Coach Megan Boyd. “Our motto is always ‘heart and grit,’ and that’s what we brought to the floor. Our practices are intense for a reason, and this team simply doesn’t give up.”
On the boys’ side, the 4A, Division I Championship featured a showdown between North Ridge Academy and Capital Prep, both teams known as the Patriots.
The game began as a tight contest, with Capital Prep’s Marcus Reed hitting an early deep three to get his team started. North Ridge’s defense quickly responded, as Jack Carter picked up a steal and raced the length of the court for a fast-break layup.
Carter continued to shine, later scoring with a deft floater in the paint. After a Capital Prep miss, Zachary Wilkes capitalized on a long rebound, draining an uncontested three-pointer for the visitors.
North Ridge’s defensive pressure paid off again with a quick steal, leading to an easy basket in transition by Tyler Mason.
The scoring continued with Ben Lang driving to the basket and finishing through contact, while Mason controlled the glass and led all players with 20 points on the night.
A dominant second half by North Ridge Academy broke the game open, as they pulled away for a convincing 70-45 victory to claim the 4A, Division I Boys State Championship.
