C4D1: Third quarter surge leads Notre Dame by Kennett

It was a tale of two halves on Wednesday night in the Class 4 District 1 semifinal matchup between Kennett and Notre Dame.

When the final horn sounded, the Bulldogs emerged victorious with a 71-54 win to earn a trip to the C4D1 title game.

“I saw an incredibly talented, skilled and hard-working Kennett team that gave us one of the toughest games we’ve played this year,” Bulldogs head coach Kirk Boeller said. “In the first half, 100% of the credit goes to Kennett.”

Much like the first semifinal between Doniphan and Dexter, it was a tight battle from tipoff.

Kennett seemingly out-hustled and outworked the Bulldogs in the opening quarter as they took an early 8-6 lead that would eventually see both teams tied at 16 after the first quarter.

“They were taking the ball from us, they rebounded better and they simply outworked us,” Boeller said. “That was the message at halftime.”

The Indians were led by E'Marriha Johnson who had 9 points in the first six minutes of the contest.

The momentum Kennett created carried into the second quarter as they continued to be unfazed by the Notre Dame pressure.

The Indians, led by a 14-point first half from Johnson, took a 33-29 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The game seemingly flipped out of halftime as the Bulldogs became more active defensively and on the boards.

“We got some bodies and boxed out,” Boeller said. “I think overall our defense as a whole stepped up in the second half and we played harder and we were more physical.”

Because of the increase in activity, the Bulldogs were able to claim a lead they wouldn’t relinquish as they took a 49-45 lead into the fourth.

Perhaps the biggest catalyst of the third quarter run was Neveah Lucious who dominated the Indians inside in the post and on the boards.

“As a coach, you sit back and realize how lucky you are to have athletes like that,” Boeller said. “You just sit back and enjoy watching it.”

The fourth quarter picked up right where the third quarter left off as the momentum stayed with the Bulldogs as they opened the frame on a 19-0 run to take a commanding 68-45 lead.

“I think we just locked in defensively,” Boeller said. “This team has a knack for flying around when it’s time.”

With the once four-point lead quickly ballooning to 23, it allowed the Bulldogs to settle in and cruise down the stretch.

“It allowed them to calm down and let the heart rate settle a little bit,” Boeller said. “It gives you a sense of confidence to close out the game.”

Leading Notre Dame offensively was Kate Rubel with 20 points and Neveah Lucious with 19 points.

Also contributing was Brie Rubel with 12 points and Eliza Barnette with 8 points.

On the opposing end, Kennett was led by Alyce Edwards with 23 points and E'Marriha Johnson with 16 points.

Wednesday’s victory sets Notre Dame (19-7) up with a championship matchup against Doniphan (25-0) at 6 pm on Friday, March 1.

The two clubs met on Jan. 31 where it was the Donettes picking up a 55-53 win.

“They’re really good,” Boeller said. “It’s going to be a fun game but we have to put together four really good quarters.”