Kaylah Thornton Leads Fairmont to D-1 Championship Over Princeton; Hits Legendary Shot to Force OT

 Kaylah Thornton Leads Fairmont to D-1 Championship Over Princeton 

Hits Legendary Game Tying Shot to Force OT 

The Fairmont Lady Firebirds won the 2026 girls D-1 championship in front of the home crowd as senior guard Kaylah Thornton put on a show. 

Thornton, a Ms. Basketball 2026 finalist, used the OHSAA State Tournament to shine her light and lift the Fairmont Lady Firebirds to a State title.

In the Semifinals, the Firebirds dominated Pickerington Central defensively, which became their calling card all season long. It was the 2nd time they beat Pickerington Central. 

Thornton was at the leader of the defense on the court, as the Lady Firebirds held Central to just 33% on the night. She also had 16 points to lead all scorers on the night.

But it wasn't just Thornton that made this Lady Firebirds team go.

Janiyah Hargrave, arguably the best sophomore in Ohio, help lead the way as the "Swiss Army Knife Type" hooper continued to bring what she brings to the table, which is a lot. Hargrave can actually do it all. She can shoot, drive, lead an offense, play great defense, rebound, and has a lot of the intangibles.  

Together, that duo was just unstoppable all season.  

Add junior guard Peyton Adams, sophomore guard Mailyah Bailey, and seniors Nico Cornett, Chloe Randall, Lena Buskard, and Chloe Von Handorf and now you have a recipe for something special. 

In the 4th quarter of the championship, Princeton, lead by one of the best coaches in the State in Dee Davis, took a Fairmont lead, erased it, and took control in the 4th, holding a 6-point lead with less than 3 minutes remaining. 

Fairmont had been in control for most of the game, but sophmore star hooper Erin Thomas and junior star guard Kiara Harris got going, and it fueled the Lady Vikings. 

In the final minutes coach Jeremy Finn gathered his troops a couple of times. The Lady Firebrids responded and with Hargrave, Cornett,  and Thornton delivering clutch shots, getting the Firebirds back in the game down by two with seconds remaining. Cornett was 8-10 from free throw distance on the night. 

 

Fairmont would foul, and Princeton would hit two free throws to go up four by Thomas. 

Princeton was up four with 15 seconds left, but Janiyah Hargrave hit a clutch mid-range shot from the baseline to cut it to two.  

Princeton had a chance to seal the deal but they made the first shot and missed the 2nd shot, leaving the door open for a chance.

That's where Thornton took the ball, zig-zagged between two defenders, found some space about halfway between the half court and 3-point line, and hoisted a 35-foot shot that looked like it came from the heavens. 

Was pure beauty to watch. 

 

Courtesy of OHSAA video 

It rattled around and in, and with it, came the biggest shot of her career, and one of the most electrifying moments in OHSAA girls hoops history, as Fairmont tied the game and sent it into overtime.

                         WATCH VIDEO BELOW 

                   THORNTON BUZZER BEATER

Thornton celebrated emphatically, the players and staff went wild, and so did most of the crowd, knowing they just seen a moment unlike any they had seen before from the senior leader.  

And best believe, she has done a lot in her four years. 

Courtesy of OHSAA VIDEO

Princeton was in complete shock, and despite going toe to toe in OT for most of it, Thornton hit another back breaking 3-pointer to help seal the deal. 

"You have to give it up to Thornton.  It was a incredible shot." Coach Davis said after the game.

When asked about how they got to this point, coach Finn talked. 

"Our schedule was extremely tough, and these girls responded and answered every challenge. We worked really hard this season, and Thornton has been a great leader this year. She is just a great player and we can't be more proud to have had her with us these last four years."

With the win it gives Fairmont their 4th OHSAA State title, first in 13 years. 

 

Princeton now falls in the 2nd straight championship after winning the title in 2023. They also will be loaded with talent.

But, on the second weekend in March, in 2026, Kaylah Thornton showed why she has the March Madness Magic, (which will be displayed at Akron next year) and why she was the most dominant player in OHSAA girls hoops this season. 

When the team needed her the most, she came up with the biggest play of her life.

Congrats to the Fairmont Lady Firebirds on the 2026 D-1 Championship.  

Follow Dayton Weekly Newspaper for more content regarding the OHSAA State Tournament. 

Follow S.E.Live365 for more Sports content all year long. 

 

Eagles Stop Cedarville, Win 5th Straight; Faces Owens CC Today; Ajaezu Named Player of the Week

Eagles Stop Cedarville, Win 5th Straight; Faces Owens CC Today; Ajaezu Named Player of the Week 

The Clark State Eagles won their 5th straight game with a 94-62 win over Cedarville JV Wednesday night.

With the win it sets up a big matchup this weekend as they face Owens Community College today (11am) at home as the Eagles boys will look to stay undefeated (2-0) in OCCAC play. 

Coach Alstork spoke on the team performance. 

"It was a good game for us to get back to it coming off the holidays. We have to be ready to a tough Owens team heading to town. 

We have to be ready."

The Mens team will play at home vs Owens CC at  11, followed by the women's team at 1. The game is at Clark State gymnasium. 

 The game is free but could ask for a donation. 

AJAEZU SELECTED AS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

One of the Ajaezu brothers was selected as the player of the week, as reported by OCCAC officials. 

Nnamdi Ajaezu, a 6'3 physical specimen of a guard and a legitimate defensive star, was tabbed for the award.

Ajaezu averaged 19.3ppg, 9rpg, 5 spg, 1.3bpg, 1.3bpg during the week. The Eagles won all 3 games during the week. 

                   Courtesy of OCCAC website 

Ajaeju had a career night with 25 points, a whopping 16 rebounds, and a season high 8 steals in a big road win vs Owens CC. 

This makes the second Clark State Eagle to be selected this season. Brandon Cromer, the dynamic combo guard, was selected after his 51-point performance in week 1. 

When asked about his performance, he said.

"It starts with the defense. We have to stop our opponents and give the energy on that side." 

Watch out as Ajaezu will face Owens CC today. 

Ajaezu twin brother, Dumaka, is also a terror on defense and plays with the same mentalily as Nnamdi. When asked about his brothers award, he congratulated him, then said: 

"I'ma do better than that." 

They both laughed, but make no mistake. The Ajaezu brothers are forreal and take on all comers. Congrats to Nnamdi on the award. 

 

 

Clark State Stops Edison State as Ajaezu, Dunn, Miller, Shine; Can Eagles Make it 4 Straight Today?

 Clark State Stops Edison State as Ajaezu, Miller, Shine 

Can Eagles Make it 4 in a Row Today? 

The Clark State Eagles took rival Edison State best punch in the first half in front of a packed house in Springfield, Ohio. 

The Eagles were down nearly 20 points, before the Eagles caught some momentum going into the half, slicing the lead down to 48-41.

 Brandon Miller lit a fuse with his play in the 1st half, as he was able to score inside and help change the momentum that the Chargers had mounted all half. 

The Eagles would continue that momentum with a array of defense and playmaking provided by Dumaka Ajaezu, Brandon Cromer and Kendrick Duru. 

By the final stages of the game, the Eagles had worn the Chargers out, and despite the brilliant play of Malcolm Curry and the squad, they couldn't find the range in the 2nd half,  which lead to the loss. 

While Edison State has horses, they ran out of gas, and didn't use the bench to its maximum, while Clark State plays 10-12 players every game with consistent rotations so far every game. 

When the game was over, coach Alstork threw his hands up in jubilation and thanked the crowd.

With the win, the Eagles move to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference. 

Here were the stars of the game

• Brandon Cromer: 22 pts, 5 threes

• Dumaka: 21 pts, 7 rebs, 6 steals

• Jaden Dunn: 21 pts, 5 ast, +11

• Brandon Miller: 14 pts on 5-6 FG 4 rebounds

 

Edison State falls to 3-4 overall and 0-1 in the OCCAC.  

Clark State will face Owens CC today as they try to get their 4th straight win and second im the conference. 

.

Edison State Womens Team Holds Off Clark Late; Johnson Shines in Her Return to Springfield

By Deon Cash 

Jaela Johnson, one of the integral pieces of a Springfield high school team last season that achieved success, had a successful debut in her return to play in front of her home crowd as Edison State defeated Clark State women earlier this week.

Johnson, a guard, scored double figures and was a key contributor in the road win for the Lady Chargers. While the game would get to a 3-point game, Edison State used its savvy and experience to hold off a pesky Lady Eagles team.

When asked how it felt after the game, Johnson responded.

"It felt great to come back and play and see my familyand friends. Once the jitters got out, it was time to play ball and that's what we did." 

Look for Edison State to make noise this season, as they finished with 3 ladies in double figures this weekend. They are now 2-0 in the conference. 

As far as 

Clark State Wins 2nd Straight, Preps For Edison State Clash

Clark State Wins 2nd Straight, Preps For Edison State Clash

 By Deon Cash 

The Clark State Eagles won their 2nd consecutive game as they defeated Christian (Detroit) by a score of 94-77. 

With the win the Eagles improve to 3-2 on the season, and with it comes a winning streak. 

The Eagles were lead by 6'8 combo F Isaiah Richardson, who had a double double (17pts, 10 reb, 3 stls) a dominated offensively in the win. 

Brandon Miller had a nice bounce back game with 9 pts, 7 rebounds, and good defensive intensity.

The Azajezu brothers combined for 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals, along with their ability to wreak havoc all game long.

Player of the Week G Brandon Cromer, who lead the Eagles with a 51-point performance last week, dropped 17 with 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and a block.

Cromer was named the OCCAC Player of the Week last week for his performances. 

While coach was satisfied with the win, he knows the execution and gameplay must be better as Edison State comes to town for the OCCAC season opener tonight.

EDISON STATE TO VISIT AS OCCAC STARTS UP TONIGHT

The OCCAC regular season starts tonight, as Clark State will play against Edison State. Last year the Chargers swept the Eagles, which Coach Alstork remembers. 

"They swept us twice last year. We can't let that happen this season." Alstork stated.

The girls will play at 5:30 followed by the boys game. 

Springield Elite will be honored at the boys game, as their youth football team won the Super Bowl last weekend. 

While Clark State has a new look this season, Edison State has re-tooled as well. With the likes of All -Region G Azon Steele and Flyght Academy transfer Kelvin Cash on the roster, the Chargers will be ready come tonight.

Expect a packed house for both games as Edison State has a guard who played for Springfield last season in Jaela Johnson. 

 

For more info go to Clark State Athletics and Clark State Basketball. 

Cromer 51 Ball Leads Clark State To Wild OT Win Over Clermont; Monday Game Added

 Cromer 51-Ball Leads Clark State To Wild OT Win Over Clermont; Monday Game Added

By Deon Cash

Brandon Cromer, a transfer from Georgia, lead the Clark State Eagles to a gutty 136-129 OT win over UC Clermont as the Eagles improve to 2-2 on the season. 

After a great first win at home, the Eagles went on a tough road trip to Detroit, and lost a couple of games, in which one of the games they let slip away. 

"We needed that Detroit trip to get our mental right. The intensity, mental focus, and attitude that we gained that weekend helped us tremendously." Head 

Coach Quinton Alstork stated after the game.

The win was not easy, as Clermont defeated Clark State twice last season. 

Clermont had the lead before a Cromer basket tied the game up in regulation. 

Clermont missed the final attempt, sending it into overtime. 

In the 1st overtime, Clermont jumped out to a 6- point lead, only to lose it with another Eagles rally, finalized by a Cromer mid range basket. 

Clermont would have another chance to win, but a missed shot near the buzzer sent the game into a 2nd overtime.

In the 2nd overtime, Clark State would dominate, with Duru, Richardson and the Ajazeau brothers providing a boost as well. 

Cromer would end the game with 51 points and 5 rebounds, a career high. 

When asked about the game, Cromer responded.

"We had to gut it out. We desperately needed this win. It was a team effort and we got it done." 

The Eagles will face another opponent Monday before taking on Edison State Wednesday in the OCCAC season opener. 

"Cromers' effort was phenomenal. That kid is a D-1 player all day long. We needed it all. And he did it all. I'm proud of all of our teams effort. But Cromer was special today." Alstork stated.

EAGLES ADD GAME ON MONDAY NIGHT

The Clark State Eagles mens team will host a non- conference game on Monday night. The game will start at 730. 

They will face Community Christian (Detroit).  

For more info, go to the Clark State Athletics site online.  

Follow us on the journey as we Follow Clark State Athletics.