Division III had two dominant forces coming into the season, Conant and Fall Mountain. It is no surprise to see my pre-season #1 and pre-season #2 going at it for the Division III title. 

 There is a bit of history behind this game. Conant dominated Fall Mountain during the regular season with two 30-point victories. The other side to the story is that Fall Mountain was the team that knocked Conant out in the Final Four last year. 

 Everyone has been waiting on Round 3 between these two teams and Saturday we finally get to see it on the big floor at Keene State College. 

  Today’s preview is brought to you by our friends and partners at Concord Orthopaedics with locations in Concord, Derry, Windham, and New London 

Let's get into the matchup... 

#2 Fall Mountain vs #1 Conant  

 Fall Mountain looked dominant in the first half against Hopkinton on Wedensday but things got a little shaky after a 4-point third quarter. The Hawks had momentum but the Wildcats stayed calm and hit their free throws. 

 Conant was locked in from the opening tip. Like Elizabeth Gonyea said in the postgame interview Wednesday night, "We aren't taking anyone lightly." It was pedal to the metal for the Orioles, and they walked away with an easy victory over Newfound. 

 These teams know each other far to well, so I don't expect many surprises.  

 Conant holds the advantage on Fall Mountain, as they have had their number all season long. 

 Silas Bernier looked as confident as ever against Newfound. There is no hesitation in her game, every shot she took was in rhythm and looked good the second it left her hand. Bernier will by far be the most poised player on the floor on Saturday afternoon. She's ready.  

 Fall Mountain is ready to put the regular season in the past and start off fresh on Saturday. It is going to be a mental game. If Fall Mountain can get past the mental block and play the Orioles as if they were any other team on their schedule then they will be in good shape. 

 Sophie Bardis helped control the pace late against Hopkinton. Her ability to crash the boards and immediately push the break was a weapon for Fall Mountain late in Wednesday's semifinal game. We know the three-point shot will be there, it is how Bardis can dictate the pace and force Conant to play at their speed is what will be important. 

 Elizabeth Gonyea has taken her game to another level. Her ability to find open teammates is what stands out to me. She is by far the most athletic player on the floor, but it is her vision of the court that makes her stand out. She seems locked in and has her eyes on the prize. Not many people have slowed her down, and that makes Conant nearly unbeatable.  

 Avery Stewart was calm, cool, and collected at the free-throw line late in the game against Hopkinton. It didn't take long for Stewart to accommodated to the Keene State court. Stewart played big minutes as a freshman in last year's runner up squad. This time around it is Stewart's team. She is such a tough player to guard on the perimeter. Her athleticism can match Gonyea's, and that could make for a great back and forth game between the two.

 The matchup I am intrigued to see is Erin Brady and Emma Tenters. Both went up against two of the best forwards in Division III in Katie Meserve and Paulin Huckins and both held their own.

 Brady grabbed many key rebounds to keep Fall Mountain in the game and Tenters forced Huckins into a lot of fouls early on to get her out of the game. Tenters play has only gone up as the season has gone along. Whichever team wins the rebound battle will be determined by one of these two. 

 A banged-up ankle wouldn't slow Teagan Kirby down on Wednesday night. Her ability to get to the basket and finish through contact has been an asset for Conant. She finishes with either hand and is rarely denied of getting to her spot. She played great minutes in the semis and I am sure she will provide the same amount of production on Saturday. 

 Makenna Grillone has changed how opposing defenses have to guard Fall Mountain. Grillone has become a lethal threat from behind the arc and her touch around the basket has improved greatly. She can take over a game with her ability to score from all three levels and that forces teams to shift their attention to her more while still worrying about Bardis and Stewart. Grillone can have a big impact on this game, and I think she is ready for that challenge.  

 Mylie Aho and Morgan Beauregard are your X-factors. Aho grabs rebounds and does all of the little things both offensively and defensively. Beauregard has a quick trigger from behind the arc and creates open looks for her teammates. Both have been consistent all year. It takes one of these two to give you 8-10 points and that changes the course of the game. 

 This game is all mental. Fall Mountain has the ability to compete with Conant, but can they get over the mental block? Conant has an undefeated season on the line and they look determined to keep it that way. 

 One of the most difficult things to do in basketball is to beat a team three teams in one season. Will the third time be the charm for Fall Mountain? Or will Conant prevail? The gym is going to be mobbed for this one, and I think the fans are in store for the best game of the year between these two rivals.