Dillard's Dawnn Maye is the flashy point guard, zipping no-look passes past would-be defenders and playing the passing lanes to the tune of seven steals per game.

Nova's 6-2 center Jassany Williams uses her strength and high-intensity motor to dominate inside.

When the Dillard (7-0) and Nova (6-0) girls basketball teams put their undefeated records on the line Wednesday, the play of Maye and Williams will likely determine who takes possession of first place in District 16-5A.

After showing flashes of potential in their first two seasons, Maye and Williams have come into their own as juniors. Maye already has three triple-doubles (double figures in points, assists and steals) and is averaging a career-high 14 points, eight assists and seven steals. Titans coach Jason Hively realizes the problems Maye presents by forcing steals and creating scoring opportunities for teammates Candace Parson, Lauren McGraw, Jasmin Burger and Kiana Conner.

''We have to contain Maye. There is no doubt about that,'' said Hively. ``We have to cut down on her penetration. She can do some special things. In my opinion she makes their team go.''

The same can be said for Williams, who alongside 6-1 power forward Dominique Jackson has given the Titans a formidable rebounding tandem. Aside from averaging a career-high 17.4 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, Williams also serves as the anchor for a high-pressure defensive unit led by Tonya Aaron, Clarissa Coddington, April Carson and T'keyah Williams.

``You can't hide that height," said Dillard coach Marcia Pinder, a four-time state champion. ``Jassany is tall. She will get her hands on a lot of balls. She will be a factor. She is one of their key players, one of the ingredients to their success.''

That the perennial state contenders enter Wednesday's game undefeated has added to a rivalry that has seen Nova win two straight district titles and two of three matchups against the Panthers last season.

Unlike Dillard, which went into overtime to beat reigning 6A state champion South Broward, Nova has not yet been tested. The Titans' closest margin of victory was 40 points against Stranahan and Miami Jackson.

''It will be a dogfight if both teams come to play,'' Pinder said. ``The kids know one another. We have coached against them. We have to take every district game very important because of the seeding.''

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