PREP PREVIEW PIAA state basketball championships

BOYS
Who: Kennedy Christian (26-5) vs. Fairfield (18-14).
What: Class A final.
When: Friday, 3 p.m.
Where: Hersheypark Arena, Hershey, Pa.
Outlook: Only one team has won four straight Pennsylvania state titles; Kennedy Christian is trying to become the second. Carlisle won four straight PIAA championships in Quad-A between 1985-88, and Kennedy Christian can match that number Friday. The Golden Eagles have won 19 straight PIAA games over the past four seasons and look to end this season with 20. That will fulfill a goal set by Kennedy Christian coach Joe Votino, who voiced his desire for four straight titles after his team defeated Bishop Hannan in the championship game last season. The Golden Eagles' three titles have come against Reading Holy Name (51-48) and Bishop Hannan the past two seasons (78-51 and 64-57 OT). Kennedy Christian's probable starters are: Nick George, 6-1 senior forward; Keenan Christiansen, 6-4 senior guard; Nolan Reimold, 6-5 junior forward; Dan McElhinny, 6-0 junior guard; and Gary Satterwhite, 6-5 senior center. In the western final, Satterwhite had 22 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks, while Christiansen had 18 points and Reimold 17. Votino is in his 19th season and has taken the Golden Eagles to the state title game seven times, where they've won five crowns ('86, '87, '98, '99, '00). They advanced to this season's championship game by defeating Coudersport 82-49, Vincentian 90-46, Elk County Christian 64-48 and Duquesne 65-61. Fairfield has not been in the PIAA tournament since the 1972-73 season.
GIRLS
Who: Kennedy Christian (28-3) vs. Pottsville Nativity BVM (26-5).
What: Class A final.
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Hersheypark Arena, Hershey, Pa.
Outlook: Kennedy Christian advanced to its third state championship game in the program's history but only its first since the 1984 season, when it lost to Marian Catholic 64-49. The Golden Eagles are still seeking their first state title and could give Mercer County its first ever in girls basketball with a win Saturday. The coach is Father Richard Tomasone, who is in his 16th and final year at the school after being reassigned in the diocese. Kennedy Christian's probable starters are: Maureen Meier, 5-5 senior guard; Laura Steltzer, 5-5 senior guard; Katie Fill, 5-8 senior forward; Barbora Fabianova, 6-0 senior forward; and Erin Frankovich, 6-2 senior forward. In the western final, Fabianova had 20 points and Frankovich 12 rebounds. The Golden Eagles advanced to the title game by defeating Cameron County 70-48, Williamsburg 66-52, Bishop Carroll 59-55 in overtime and Bishop Guilfoyle 49-37. Pottsville Nativity BVM is seeking its third consecutive state title.
-- Brian Richesson