Close games are proving vital for Notre Dame Bulldogs

In the first 21 games, the Notre Dame Bulldogs have played in their fair share of close games.

On Monday night, it appeared the Bulldogs would find themselves in yet another tight contest, but a big second half led them to a 66-39 win over the Dexter Bearcats at Notre Dame Regional High School.

The Bulldogs led just 22-16 at halftime after beginning the game on a 10-0 run.

Bulldogs coach Kirk Boeller said the dominant second half was predicated on their defense.

“I thought our defensive intensity picked up in the second half,” Boeller said. “I also thought we did a really good job of getting the ball to the paint, and then that opened up our shooters. Those two factors really helped.”

When looking at the Bulldogs’ schedule they’ve found themselves in six games that have been decided by six points or less.

Boeller said that good teams do the little things right when it comes to winning close games.

“The good team’s keep composure,” Boeller said. “They buckle down when they need to, and when someone needs to step up, they’ve got that person.”

Those qualities have been seen by Boeller and his staff during the 2023-24 season.

“What’s really cool about our team is that it can be a different player each night,” Boeller said. “It’s fun to watch when you can look at that one person and realize it’s their night.”

Perhaps the most unique thing about Notre Dame’s roster is the fact that the Bulldogs don’t have a senior, making their ability to play well in close games even more impressive.

“I think we’ve become more numb to the pressure,” Boeller said. “These sophomores and juniors are getting their first varsity experience, and when it gets tight they’re able to not let the pressure get to them.”

Even after suffering big defeats to St. Louis area powerhouses, Boeller and his club still find ways to learn from it.

“We’ve seen everything,” Boeller said. “That was the goal all along. To hit every potential situation and learn how to handle each one of them.”

While the Bulldogs managed to run away with Monday’s contest against Dexter, their next contest is sure to be another tightly contested one.

Notre Dame will make the quick road trip to battle the Jackson Indians, whom it beat 46-44 back on Dec. 1, 2023, in the SEMO Conference Tournament championship.

“It will be a fun game and I’m sure it will be a fun atmosphere,” Boeller said. “We are working towards districts so it will be another one of those hard-fought games like we will see down the road. We’re using it as another stepping stone to get where we need to be.”

Tip-off between the Bulldogs (14-7) and Indians is set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, at Jackson High School.