Davenport Assumption solved Cascade's sticky zone defense like no other, and now the Knights have a chance to join an elite group in Iowa girls basketball.

The top-ranked Knights started the game with four 3-point baskets and went on to beat the fourth-ranked Cougars 63-26 to earn a shot at winning their third straight Class 3A championship.

A victory in Friday's 8 p.m. title game would make Assumption just the fifth school to win three consecutive titles. Ankeny won four in a row, while Lynnville-Sully, Washington and Rock Valley each did it three straight years.

Cascade frustrated opponents all season with its 2-3 zone and came into the tournament allowing only 27.8 points a game. No team had reached 40 against the Cougars, but Assumption hit that number at the 5:16 mark in the third quarter.

The Knights did it with their perimeter shooting and ability to drive to the basket and by creating opportunities with their own harassing defense, which produced 20 points off turnovers. Assumption made 10 3-pointers and set the continuous clock into play by increasing its lead to 35 points late in the game.

Kate Fennelly led Assumption with 12 points on four 3-pointers. Danielle Moore added 11 points, Maddie Irmen had seven points and six rebounds, and Morgan Pavich and Hailey Schneden each scored six points. Schneden also blocked five shots.

Sophomore Carolyn Trumm led Cascade with 14 points and six rebounds.

Assumption, which also won a state title in 2008, advances to the championship game with a 24-2 record. Cascade closes out a fine season at 22-3.