Neveah Lucious sets Notre Dame single-season blocks record

In Wednesday’s Class 4 District 1 semifinal win over Kennett, Notre Dame sophomore Neveah Lucious made history.

With three blocked shots in the win, Lucious set the single-season record for blocks in a season, eclipsing Jane Morrill’s record of 87 set back in 2008.

“It’s really exciting,” Lucious said. “Last year I was just a few away so this year I was working really hard to get there so it feels great.”

Bulldogs coach Kirk Boeller had high praise for his sophomore forward following Wednesday’s win.

“It’s so cool,” Boeller said. “It’s fun to watch her do it. She affects so many plays and she’s such a good kid and fun to be around and so to see her have that kind of success and be in the history books is cool.”

The win over Kennett on Wednesday was in large part because of Lucious’ ability to dominate the game in the third quarter as she was a force on the boards and in the paint.

“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.”

Lucious said one thing about blocking shots is learning to accept the fact she will pick up fouls in the process.

“Sometimes I get unlucky and pick up the foul,” Luciouis said. “Usually though, I see the ball and I know when I can block it and when I can’t.”

Boeller said the biggest thing Lucious does that allows her to have success is her positioning.

“She’s usually not on the backside of somebody getting beat off the dribble or something,” Boeller said. “It’s her god-given length with her arms and her height and also just how hard she works. She’s always in position, getting to spots and she’s a competitor.”

Lucious’ presence in the paint allows the Bulldogs as a whole to thrive defensively.

“Having her back there is a safety net for our guards to really get after it and pressure the ball,” Boeller said. “They know that if they get beat they have Neveah back there to help them.”

Next up for Lucious now is chasing down the career blocks record, also held by Morrill at 216 blocked shots over her career.

“I’m still shooting for more,” Lucious said. “I’m excited.”

Lucious and the Bulldogs will battle for the C4D1 championship at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 1, against undefeated Doniphan at Notre Dame Regional High School.