PREVIEWING SATURDAY’S DIV. 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

Both games at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University

Matchup: Briarcrest (27- 6) vs. Nashville Ensworth (22- 6) Time: 11 a.m.

What to watch for: This contest, a rematch of last year’s final won by Ensworth, will feature two of the top players to come through Div. 2 in recent years. The Saints are led by Austin Nichols, a 6-9 senior who has signed with the University of Memphis. A skillful passer, Nichols is practically unguardable when he gets the ball down low. He’s shooting 73 percent for the season and has been even better lately, going 36 of 46 in his last three games. That includes 8 for 12 in Thursday’s 58-51 semifinal victory over Father Ryan, a game in which he scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Ensworth will counter with explosive senior guard Corn Elder, who was the Most Valuable Player at state last year. Elder had 12 points and seven assists in Ensworth’s 80- 60 semifinal victory over Montgomery Bell Academy, but the Tigers are far from a one-man show. D’Andre Ferby made all eight of his shots against MBA, and Andrew Fleming is another dangerous backcourt threat. Look for the Saints to use Donnovan Spralls to counter Ensworth’s athleticism. Briacrest shot 61.8 percent against Father Ryan and if Chris Hodges, Gus Gran and Mark French can knock down shots, it will make things easier for Nichols. If the Saints are cold, though, it could be a long game.

Matchup: Evangelical Christian School (19-10) vs. Lausanne (23-4)

Time: 3 p.m.

What to watch for: ECS guard Isaac James said it best Friday: This one’s for bragging rights. Saturday’s game will be the fourth meeting of the year between the two teams. Lausanne won the two meetings in the regular season, but the Eagles won the championship game of the West Region tournament, part of their current nine-game winning streak. ECS’ success has been the product of a change in philosophy; look for the Eagles to attack offensively and to trap and double-team aggressively on defense. James, Brent Rooker, Alex Armfield and Walker Jones offer steady production on both ends of the floor, while 6-10 sophomore Skal Labissiere and 6-9 senior Kip Owens are a formidable tandem. If the game turns into a track meet, though, the Lynx won’t be disappointed. Senior Cameron Payne flourishes in the open court, using his speed and ballhandling to create shots for himself and his extraordinary court vision to set up teammates. Quentin Sawyer and Sedale Scullark will need big games in the backcourt, while live-wire senior Denio Chirindja, Joseph Williams and eighth-grader James Babb will be called upon to counter ECS’ twin towers. Expect a close game that could very well be decided on the final possession.