FAIRBORN, Ohio (AP) — Margaretta’s season-long run toward a state championship ended Thursday night, as Canton Central Catholic used clutch 3-point shooting to defeat the Lady Bears 48-42 in the Division VI state semifinal at Wright State University’s Nutter Center. The Crusaders connected on nine 3-pointers, including several in key moments of the second half, to hold off a determined Margaretta rally and advance to the state championship game. Margaretta finished the season 26-2 after reaching the program’s sixth state semifinal. The Lady Bears appeared poised for a comeback late in the fourth quarter. After trailing by double digits earlier in the second half, Margaretta used a strong run to cut the deficit to one point. Ellyse Schaefer scored inside with 2:49 remaining to cap a 13-2 surge, trimming the Crusaders’ lead to 43-42. Canton Central Catholic responded almost immediately. Senior guard Ellie Buckler drilled a deep 3-pointer just 19 seconds later, pushing the lead back to four points. Margaretta was unable to score again down the stretch as the Crusaders closed out the victory. The difference in the game came from beyond the arc. Canton Central Catholic shot 9-of-21 from 3-point range, while the Lady Bears finished just 2-of-12 from long distance. Grace Finefrock led the Crusaders with 18 points, knocking down four 3-pointers and converting six free throws. Freshman post Aubrey Harris-Hall added 13 points and eight rebounds while playing a key defensive role against Margaretta’s leading scorer, Cassidy Lane. Lane finished with 11 points and five rebounds for the Lady Bears. Margaretta started the game with energy and momentum. Ellyse Schaefer knocked down a 3-pointer just 24 seconds into the contest, and the Lady Bears built a quick 7-0 lead following a driving basket from Schaefer and two free throws from Lane. Canton Central Catholic settled in and gradually took control of the game. The Crusaders carried a 22-18 advantage into halftime before extending their lead early in the third quarter. Finefrock helped spark the run when she was fouled on a 3-point attempt and converted all three free throws, stretching the lead to 30-19. Margaretta battled back late in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 35-30, but Lily Belden knocked down a deep corner 3-pointer just before the buzzer to give the Crusaders a 38-30 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Bears refused to go away. A determined 8-0 run, highlighted by a putback basket from Lane, trimmed the lead to 40-38 with 4:44 remaining. Belden answered with another 3-pointer moments later to keep the Crusaders in control before Buckler’s late shot sealed the outcome. Kenadie Saylor led Margaretta with 16 points, attacking the lane repeatedly and providing a spark for the Lady Bears’ offense. Ellyse Schaefer added nine points, while Lillian Belak contributed a 3-pointer. Despite the loss, Margaretta capped one of the most successful seasons in program history, advancing to the state’s final four and finishing with 26 victories. MARGARETTA (26-2) Lillian Belak 1 0-0 3, Cassidy Lane 3 5-5 11, Kenadie Saylor 5 6-8 16, Ellaynah Schaefer 0 2-2 2, Ellyse Schaefer 3 2-2 9, Addyson Fitzthum 0 1-2 1. TOTALS 12 16-19 42 Canton CC 12 10 16 10 — 48 Margaretta 11 7 12 12 — 42 Three-point goals: Canton Central Catholic 9 (Finefrock 4, L. Belden 2, S. Belden 2, Buckler); Margaretta 2 (Ellyse Schaefer, Belak) WTOL HIGHLIGHTS- Click Here PHOTO GALLERY- Click Here/ BCSN HIGHLIGHTS- Click Here