By TIM STRIED
OHSAA Media Director
DAYTON, Ohio - Cincinnati Purcell Marian claimed its third consecutive state championship, downing Shaker Heights Laurel, 79-52, in the Division II state championship game at University of Dayton Arena.
Purcell Marian has won the last two Division II state titles after winning the Division III title in 2022 and is the first school to win three straight girls basketball state titles since Kettering Archbishop Alter won the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Division II titles.
Purcell Marian junior Dee Alexander became the state tournament’s all-time leading scorer in the win. Alexander, winner of the last two Ohio Ms. Basketball awards, has scored 134 points in her three appearances at the state tournament. Beth Ostendorf (Urbana 1992-93, Pickerington 1994-95) was the previous record holder with 122 career state tournament points.
Purcell Marian (29-1) never trailed, outscoring Laurel 12-2 over the final 4:48 of the first quarter to build a 20-10 lead that grew to 18 points at halftime.
Alexander and Ky’Aira Miller both scored 18 points for Purcell Marian. Samaya Wilkins scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Jayda Mosley scored eight points and handed out nine assists. Purcell Marian made 30 of 65 shots from the floor and 12 of 18 at the foul line, and its 79 points were the most in Division II state championship game history.
Saniyah Hall had 21 points and 14 rebounds for Laurel (19-11), giving her 47 points and 39 rebounds combined in Laurel’s two state tournament games. Tristan Williams added 13 points and nine rebounds.
Laurel, with a roster featuring 11 freshmen and sophomores and just one senior, was making its second appearance at the state tournament.
Comments