CLASS AA

WHO: Cheverus (16-5) vs. South Portland (18-3)

WHEN: 6:05 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Cross Insurance Arena, Portland

TV: MPBN’s World channel

KEY PLAYERS: Cheverus — Kylie Lamson, jr., G (20.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds); Addie Jordan, so., G/F (10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds); Abby Kelly, so., G (7.2 points, 5.7 rebounds); Anna Goodman, jr., G (5.3 points, 2.4 rebounds); Rachel Feeley, sr., G (2.7 points, 2.2 rebounds). South Portland — Emma Travis, sr., G (10.8 points, 1.7 steals); Annie Whitmore, so., G (10.8 points, 4.6 assists); Destiny Peter, jr., F (11 points, 10.5 rebounds), Mya Lawrence, so., G (8.1 points, 1.7 steals); Caleigh Corcoran, jr., G/F (8.9 points, 6.5 rebounds)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The championship resumes for these programs are quite different. Cheverus is seeking its third state title in three years, while South Portland is gunning for its first since 1986. … The teams split a pair of matchups during the regular season, and hot shooting made the difference each time. … In the first, Lamson scored 26 points, and the Stags hit nine of their first 14 shots and six 3-pointers in the first half while leading by as many as 13. … In the rematch, it was the Red Riots’ turn to have the hot hand, as they hit four 3s in the third quarter to turn a 21-15 deficit into a 41-33 lead. … Lamson and Whitmore were MVPs of the regional tournaments. Lamson can shoot and drive and is a confident and skilled passer, while Whitmore can catch fire and bury an opponent within minutes from the perimeter. … Both teams are excellent on both ends of the court, and use their defense to feed their offense in transition. … Cheverus will need an answer for Peter, a 5-11 forward who averaged a double-double during the regular season. She scored 21 points in two games against the Stags this season.

– Drew Bonifant

CLASS AA BOYS

WHO: Windham (17-4) vs. South Portland (16-5)

WHEN: 7:45 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Cross Insurance Arena, Portland

TV: MPBN’s World channel

KEY PLAYERS: South Portland – Manny Hidalgo, sr., G (16.2 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.1 steals); Darius Johnson, jr., F (8.9 points, 8.4 rebounds); Gabe Jackson, jr., G (10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 36 3-pointers); Tom Maloji, sr., G (8.1 points, 3.2 rebounds); Carmine Soucy, sr., G (6.9 points). Windham – Creighty Dickson, sr., G (15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists); Tyrie James, jr., G (14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists); AJ Moody, jr., G (8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.5 steals); Colin Janvrin, so., F (9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds); Braycen Freese, sr., G (8.1 points).

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: After 2024’s emotional run to the school’s first boys basketball championship, capped by an overtime win against Gorham, Windham overcame a midseason three-game losing streak and asserted itself in the North regional. The Eagles’ strength is that they usually have five scoring threats on the floor at the same time with a ball-sharing approach. South Portland, the state champion in 2022 and 2023, revolves around Hidalgo’s shot-making and ability to set others up off his dribble. … Hidalgo hit the game-winner with four seconds to play in a 55-54 victory at Windham in January. … Windham’s James also can score in a variety of ways, and his rebounding and assist numbers have jumped during the postseason to 7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. Moody, a lengthy 6-2 guard who usually takes on the top opposing scorer, leads an opportunistic Windham defense with 3.5 steals per game. … South Portland makes only 27% of its 3-pointers. It could use some behind-the-arc buckets, which Soucy (five 3s in the quarterfinal against Gorham) and Jackson (36 3s this season) can deliver. Another X-factor for the Red Riots is Johnson, a 6-4 inside player. He’s had 14 points in the last two playoff wins. In four of South Portland’s five losses, Johnson was either injured (twice) or scored one point (twice). … Windham might have an edge in depth. Senior guard Conor Janvrin, who starts, averages 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. Colin Janvrin comes off the bench and can score inside or out. Joseph Blige has added about four points and two steals during the playoffs in limited but energetic minutes.

– Steve Craig