[AshlandTcat06]

This should be a good one. Ashland has won seven in a row, and they are looking to go above .500 for the first time this season. Fairview continues to play well and they played outstanding against Boyd the other night. Both teams have something to prove in this game, and I think this one will come down to who wants it more. For Ashland to win Matt Thomas and Drew McDavid will need to have a big game, and the supporting cast will have to play well and provide a spark also. The Eagles shoot well from the field (48.4%) and they're unselfish on offense, so Ashland will have to be ready defensively. Hopefully Ashland will be able to force some turnovers. One key part of the game will be free throw shooting, which is a strength for Fairview. The Eagles shoot 74% as a team from the line (very impressive), and they are second in the state in that category. Ashland can shoot from the free throw line as well, and their free throw shooting has improved as the year has gone on, but they'll need to shoot better than the 55% (23/42) they shot against Rose Hill, and they can't miss 19 free throws in the fourth quarter like they did in that game either.

I think this one will come down to the fourth quarter, and it could end up going longer. It should be an exciting championship game. Good luck to both teams.

My prediction:
Ashland 58
Fairview 56