ND GIRLS RIDE MOMENTUM INTO SECTIONAL

Only one Class 2A team in Southeast Missouri has played Notre Dame's girls within respectability this season.

That team will challenge Notre Dame again at 6:30 tonight when the Lady Bulldogs take on Twin Rivers in a Class 2A state sectional game at Cape Central High's Tiger Field House.

In their game earlier this season, Notre Dame (21-5) trailed the Lady Royals 17-13 at halftime, but used a 14-4 advantage in the fourth quarter to win 33-23 at home.

Notre Dame coach Jerry Grim called the game "ugly" as the Lady Bulldogs, ranked eighth in the state, uncharacteristically committed 19 turnovers including 13 in the first half alone.

"That was the worst game we played all season long," said Grim. "What they did, they walked the ball up the floor and stalled in the halfcourt. I started my seniors that night and not the starting five and that got our rhythm off a bit."

"Our guards handled the ball real well that game," said Twin Rivers coach Jeff Walk. "But it's just hard to win up there."

Notre Dame's playoff path to this point has been an easy one. The Lady Bulldogs have crushed each of their 2A foes, posting an eye-popping 51-point average margin of victory in the District 2 Tournament.

Twin Rivers won the District 1 title 71-48 over Malden and the Lady Royals' closest district game was a 16-point margin.

Though they don't want to play recklessly, the Lady Bulldogs will likely try to use their athleticism to get out on the fast break.

"I don't think they want to run with us," said Grim. "I don't want them to be able to take their own sweet time."

Walk, however, said his team usually likes an up-and-down game. He said his team is averaging 68-70 points per outing.

Notre Dame will be playing at its home away from home. The Lady Bulldogs will have to travel across town, while Twin Rivers will have to make about a 1/12 hour trip.

Notre Dame will also be familiar with the Tiger Field House as they have already played there this season.

"I think it'll be an advantage," said Grim. "It's an advantage because it's such a huge place. I don't know where (Twin Rivers) has played, but they can't have played in a gym that big."

"I wish the state would move the site to a more neutral site or play down here in our backyard," said Walk. "It's been up there all 12 years. It ain't right. Notre Dame has nothing to do with that, though."

Notre Dame is led in scoring by sophomore guard/forward Lisa Millham who averages about 14 points a game. Deana McCormick, a 5-11 center, gets about 13 a game. Courtney Vickery, the team's quick sophomore point guard, directs the offense nicely and freshman Ashley Millham gives the team another scoring threat.

Notre Dame's only senior starter, Jessica Seratti, is a rebounding and defensive force in the paint and gives the Lady Bulldogs good size to go along with McCormick.

As for Twin Rivers, Casey Glass leads the team in scoring at 18 points per game.

"Twin Rivers has got a good little team," Grim said. "They're balanced. They don't have anybody who takes command; it's up to everybody."

The winner will advance to Saturday's quarterfinal game in Park Hills against tonight's winner between Valley of Caledonia (16-8) and John Burroughs (18-10).