BATTLE OF THE EAGLES … North Central’s Cailyn Meyers brings the ball up the floor while being pressured by Addison Schang.
PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DOUBLE-DOUBLE PERFORMANCE … Fayette’s Kennedy Kunkle (above) recorded 22 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocks in the Eagles’ sectional final win over North Central. VIEW 125 PHOTOS OF THIS CONTEST FOR FREE AT WWW.THEVILLAGEREPORTER.COM
By: Elliot Schneider
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
FAYETTE (February 21, 2026) – In a back-and-forth Division VII Sectional Championship matchup between the Fayette Eagles and the North Central Eagles, Fayette came out on top behind standout performances from Kennedy Kunkle and BBC Player of the Year, Addison Schang, who combined for 41 of the team’s 51 points.
The opening quarter was evenly contested as both teams worked to settle into the championship atmosphere.
North Central’s Anna Burt opened the scoring with a quick basket inside, but Fayette answered promptly with contributions from Willow Mitchell and Schang.
Amalia Lawson responded for North Central with a converted and-one, keeping the momentum within reach. Fayette countered with a three-pointer and a free throw from Kelsie Storrs, pushing the lead to 10-5 midway through the first quarter.
North Central’s Mallory Groves added a basket in the quarter, while Fayette’s Kunkle answered on the other end to keep the Eagles in front. However, Lawson knocked down a three-pointer late in the period, trimming the margin to 12-11 as Fayette carried a slim lead into the second quarter.
Kunkle took control for Fayette in the second quarter, pouring in eight points in the frame. She opened the period with baskets on back-to-back possessions, giving the Eagles an early spark and setting the tone offensively.
North Central continued to receive balanced production to stay within striking distance. Addyson Turner knocked down a three-pointer, and Lawson added another basket, keeping the game tight as the second quarter unfolded.
A three-pointer from Storrs and another basket from Kunkle pushed Fayette’s lead midway through the second quarter. North Central’s Lawson answered with a late three of her own, but Kunkle countered with a free throw to close out the half, sending Fayette into the break with a 24-21 advantage.
Kunkle once again ignited Fayette to start the third quarter, drilling a three-pointer from the top of the key to get things rolling.
Lawson answered right back with a triple of her own, continuing her strong offensive showing on the night as she finished with 12 points in the contest.
Burt and Schang traded baskets midway through the quarter, with Fayette holding a 31-26 advantage at that point in the third.
North Central refused to go away. Cailyn Meyers knocked down a three-pointer to spark the rally, and Tessa Reyome followed with a triple of her own, tying the game at 32 late in the period and setting up a dramatic finish.
Burt and Schang traded blows once again, this time each connecting from beyond the arc. Their matching three-pointers evened the score at 35-35 heading into the final quarter, setting the stage for a decisive finish in the Sectional Championship.
It was fitting that Kunkle, who also had 22 rebounds and five blocks, opened the fourth-quarter scoring, converting an and-one before adding a free throw on the next possession to give Fayette early momentum.
Schang then buried a three-pointer, after doing much of her damage in the second half, stretching the lead to 42-35 early in the final period.
Meyers answered with a layup and then knocked down a three-pointer of her own, pulling North Central within four and keeping the pressure on.
However, once Fayette entered the bonus, the Eagles capitalized at the free-throw line, piling up too many points from the stripe for North Central to overcome down the stretch.
When the final buzzer sounded, Fayette emerged with a 51-42 victory, capturing the Division VII Sectional Championship and punching its ticket to the district round, where they will face #1 seeded Stryker on February 25th at 6pm at Archbold High School.
FAYETTE (51) – Kunkle 22; Simon 0; Williams 0; Phillips 0; Schang 19; Storrs 9; Mitchell 1; Gorsuch 0; Totals: 10-6-13 – 51
NORTH CENTRAL (42) – Meyers 12; Lawson 12; Burt 7; Reyome 5; Groves 3; Turner 3; Smith 0; Burger 0; Totals: 7-8-4 – 42
FHS 12 12 11 16 – 51
NCHS 11 10 14 7 – 42
