Notre Dame nips defending champ

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Deana McCormick knew what it felt like to lose to Stockton in the biggest game of her life.

She now knows what it feels like to beat the Tigers in the biggest game of her life.

After losing to the Tigers in the 2A state championship game last year, McCormick was presented with a unique opportunity to re-write the script Friday in the 2A semifinals.

McCormick did so, hitting the game-winning shot from in close with two seconds remaining as Notre Dame defeated top-ranked Stockton 41-39 to advance to tonight's state championship game.

"I just remember last year what it felt like when we lost," McCormick said. "I wasn't going to let that happen again."

Notre Dame, ranked third in the state, will face No. 2 Elsberry for the title at 7:55 p.m. Elsberry (31-0) brings in a 32-game winning streak, with its last loss suffered to Notre Dame in last year's semifinals. Elsberry defeated Seymour 50-42 in Friday's other semifinal.

Notre Dame (28-2), which has won 17 straight, will be playing in its fourth state championship game but will be looking for its first state title.

"I'm very happy, but then again I know we have to come out again tomorrow night and win that," said McCormick. "I definitely want the first-place trophy. No more second places."