enlarge John Ewing/Staff Photographer

Mike Murphy, in his first year coaching the Deering girls’ basketball team, is on the verge of the Class A state title to cap an undefeated season. The final is tonight at Augusta.

WHEN: 7 p.m. today at Augusta Civic Center

DEERING (21-0)

COACH: Mike Murphy

STARTING LINEUP: Guards: Jess Ruhlin, 5-foot-3, Sr.. (3.4 ppg); Maria Apon, 5-4, Sr. (2.6 ppg); Center: Claire Ramonas, 5-11, Jr. (8.3 ppg); Forwards: Diana Manduca, 5-7, Sr. (13.6 ppg); Kayla Burchill, 6-0, So. (11.4 ppg)

KEYS TO VICTORY: Deering has won 35 consecutive games with pretty much the same script -- unrelenting defensive pressure and offensive balance. The Rams average 56.3 points per game this season and only give up 29.1. Their full-court press forces turnovers, which invariably lead to easy baskets. Manduca and Burchill are dangerous 3-point shooters, but Burchill also can go inside with Ramonas to score in a power game. Ruhlin runs the offense expertly. And Deering's bench is deep in quality, allowing Murphy to keep the tempo fast.

MESSALONSKEE (19-2)

COACH: Brenda Beckwith

STARTING LINEUP: Guards: Ariana Perry, 5-foot-3, Jr. (9.0 ppg); Hannah Dexter, 5-6, Jr. (13 ppg); Center: Kaitlyn Deering, 5-10, Jr. (12 ppg); Forwards: Jessica Bridges, 5-7, Sr. (4 ppg); Holly Oliver, 5-10, Jr. (6 ppg)

KEYS TO VICTORY: It's quite simple -- the Eagles' guards have got to handle Deering's constant, in-your-face defensive pressure. If Perry, a wonderful point guard, has trouble handling the pressure, Messalonskee is going to be in trouble. Defensively, Messalonskee faces a height disadvantage inside, where Ramonas and Burchill can do some damage. But the Eagles have to really watch Manduca, who sets the tone for Deering with her scoring and aggressive play. If she gets hot, Messalonskee could be in for a long game.