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CLASS C BOYS STATE FINAL

WHO: Fort Kent (15-6) vs. Maranacook (17-4)
WHEN: 8:45 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Augusta Civic Center
TV/STREAMING: Maine Public Broadcasting Network

KEY PLAYERS: Fort Kent — Aden Jeffers, junior forward (20.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game); Tobias Naranja, senior guard (15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds); Mason Pelletier, junior guard (10.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists); Fin Kelly, senior center (4.7 points, 6.2 rebounds). Maranacook — Jack Fontaine, junior guard (17.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.7 rebounds); Gage Mattson, freshman forward (19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds); Grady Hreben, junior guard (21 points on seven 3-pointers vs. Spruce Mountain in regional final); Ethan Chilton, senior guard (buzzer-beater to win C South title).

FORT KENT WINS IF …

• It can contain Mattson the way Spruce Mountain did in the South final. The Phoenix did a remarkable job on Mattson, who scored just four points in Maranacook’s 48-47 victory. If Fort Kent can limit the freshman’s touches in the paint, the Warriors stand a good chance at winning the first Gold Ball in program history.

• It can finish strong again. The Warriors dominated late in their games in the North regional, scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to bury Sumner in the quarterfinals, 45 in the second half against Mattanawcook Academy in the semifinals, and beating Caribou on a buzzer-beater in the final.

• It exhibits patience. Coach Chad Cyr acknowledged that Fort Kent’s brisk pace has caused issues for his team in the half-court. With Maranacook likely to change up defensive looks, Cyr said the Warriors will have to be patient and more careful with their ball movement.

MARANACOOK WINS IF …

• The Black Bears force someone other than Jeffers to beat them. Jeffers accounted for 43.5 percent of Fort Kent’s scoring in the North regional tournament, pouring in 84 points over three games. If Maranacook can keep him roughly at or below the 20-point mark, the Black Bears should be in prime position.

• It can harness the atmosphere. Coach Travis Magnusson said his team thrives on energy, and Maranacook has had one of the largest and loudest fan presences in Augusta throughout the postseason. If the Black Bears can positively channel what should be a raucous atmosphere, they’ll be at an advantage.

• It can stay out of foul trouble. Fontaine fouling out against Hall-Dale in the semifinals nearly cost the Black Bears, and Chilton was one foul away from disqualification against Spruce Mountain. Maranacook’s key players can’t afford to be in that situation Saturday.