Fairmont Firebirds win Division I state title in OT thriller

Kaylah Thornton's last-second 3-pointer sends game to OT, Janiyah Hargrave takes over in extra period

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:05pm

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The Fairmont Firebirds overcame a late deficit to defeat the Princeton Vikings 61-55 in overtime and capture the 2026 Division I girls basketball state championship. Trailing by 7 points late in the fourth quarter, Fairmont senior Kaylah Thornton hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 5.9 seconds left to send the game to overtime. In the extra period, Janiyah Hargrave scored the first 7 points to lead Fairmont to the victory and the program's first state title.

Why it matters

This thrilling state championship game showcased the talent and resilience of both teams, with Fairmont overcoming a late deficit to complete an undefeated season and claim the Division I title. The game-tying 3-pointer by Thornton and Hargrave's dominant overtime performance will be remembered as an instant classic in Ohio high school basketball history.

The details

Fairmont led for most of the game, but Princeton slowly chipped away at the lead and took a 7-point advantage late in the fourth quarter. However, Thornton's clutch 3-pointer at the end of regulation sent the game to overtime. In the extra period, Hargrave took over, scoring the first 7 points to give Fairmont the lead for good. Fairmont overcame some late free throw struggles to seal the victory.

  • Thornton hit the game-tying 3-pointer with 5.9 seconds left in regulation.
  • Hargrave scored the first 7 points in overtime to lead Fairmont to the victory.

The players

Kaylah Thornton

A senior at Fairmont High School and an Akron commit, Thornton hit the game-tying 3-pointer with 5.9 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime.

Janiyah Hargrave

A Fairmont player who scored a game-high 23 points, including the first 7 points in overtime to lead the Firebirds to the state championship.

Nico Cornett

A Fairmont player who added 13 points, including going 8-for-10 from the free throw line.

Jeremey Finn

The head coach of the Fairmont Firebirds, who guided the team to an undefeated season and the Division I state title.

Dee Davis

The head coach of the Princeton Vikings, whose team fell just short of the state championship.

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What they’re saying

“I just knew I had to go down the court and get a bucket, and that's what I did.”

— Kaylah Thornton

“We knew there wasn't going to be a lot of time left, so they were looking and like, we have got to go. It's one of those where a player makes a big play and, you know, amazing. And I think that'll be something that will be shown for a long time.”

— Jeremey Finn, Fairmont Head Coach

“She made a great shot. In most cases, people don't necessarily make that, but I'll take games like that, and that's what a championship game will be.”

— Dee Davis, Princeton Head Coach

What’s next

The Fairmont Firebirds will look to defend their Division I state title next season, while the Princeton Vikings will aim to return to the championship game.

The takeaway

This thrilling state championship game showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of Ohio high school basketball. Fairmont's comeback victory, capped by Thornton's clutch 3-pointer and Hargrave's dominant overtime performance, will be remembered as an instant classic in the state's rich basketball history.