NOTRE DAME FALLS IN 2A FINAL

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- This Armstrong didn't land on the moon.

But she was on a different planet Saturday night, almost single-handedly propelling ninth-ranked Stockton to a 61-42 win over top-ranked Notre Dame in the Class 2A championship game.

Jenna Armstrong, a 5-foot-10 guard headed to the University of Iowa, scored 30 points, 22 of which came in the first half.

Stockton (25-6) was the first Class 2A to beat Notre Dame this year. No other 2A school came within 16 points of the Lady Bulldogs.

Notre Dame (27-4) trailed by 11 at halftime, but started the third quarter on a 7-0 run to get right back in it. However, Stockton went on a 9-0 run and led 39-28 with 2:27 to go in the third. Going into the fourth quarter, Notre Dame trailed 41-30.

The Lady Bulldogs pulled to within 46-39 with 4:26 left, but that was as close as they came. Notre Dame missed several point-blank shots in the fourth.

With Notre Dame forced to scramble and hurry shots late, Stockton pulled away at the end.

Like it did in its semifinal victory over Elsberry, Notre Dame got off to a poor start. The Lady Bulldogs couldn't contain Armstrong, who scored all 12 of Stockton's first-quarter points, including a 35-foot shot at the buzzer. The Lady Tigers led 12-7 going into the second quarter.

It wasn't until the 3:34 mark of the second quarter when a Stockton player other than Armstrong scored. At that point, the Lady Tigers led 19-11. Armstrong scored 22 of her team's first 24 points before she was rested at the 1:49 mark. She had four threes in the first half, three of which were shot at least three feet behind the arc.

Lisa Millham fouled Kyla Burns on a 3-point attempt with 1 second left. Burns made two free throws and Stockton led 28-17 going into halftime.

Ashley Millham had 11 points to lead Notre Dame and Lisa Milham scored 10.

Notre Dame, which made its third trip to the Final Four, has yet to win a championship.