DAYTON, Ohio — Cincinnati Purcell Marian moved one step closer to the school’s first girls’ basketball state title with a 59-43 win over Union Local, in the first Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III semifinal.

What You Need To Know

  • Cincinnati Purcell Marian defeated Union Local, 59-43, in the first Division III state semifinal game

  • Purcell Marian looks to become the first school from the Cincinnati area to win a D-III girls basketball championship since Wyoming in 1996

  • The Division III final will be played Saturday live on Spectrum News 1 at 10:45 a.m.

There was a lot of talking coming into the tournament about the Cavaliers’ freshmen, but it was the lone returning regular from Purcell Marian’s state tournament appearance last year that provided the steadying presence.

Jayda Mosley, who has no relation to head coach Jamar Mosley, scored 18 points, including a 3-point shot with 2:43 left in the game to open a 53-41 lead. The sophomore added seven rebounds and three assists, and always seemed to step up when the Cavs needed a spark.

Freshman Dee Alexander took a hard fall just seconds into the game, but returned and contributed a game-high 19 points and 13 rebounds.

The Jets were led by juniors Torre Kildow and Reagan Vinskovich, who each scored 13 points. However, Purcell Marian’s defense limited Union Local to 28% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers.

Both teams dealt with early jitters, reflected in the Purcell Marian 9-5 lead after the first quarter.

The Cavaliers were also successful shooting close to the basket, outscoring the Jets 40-16 in the paint.

Purcell Marian will look to become the first school from the Cincinnati area to win a Division III girls basketball championship since Wyoming in 1996.

The Division III final will be played Saturday morning at 10:45 a.m., live on Spectrum News 1. Coverage begins at 10:30 a.m. with OHSAA Championship Gameday, hosted by MaryLee Melendez and Dave Cecutti.