NOTRE DAME 'STARS' FORM CONSTELLATION

It's not easy being a Lady Bulldog.

Sure, they make it look easy, destroying every small school in their path, hitting threes, running the floor, running their offense.

But there are reasons why Notre Dame's group of all-stars -- any one of their starters could be the leading scorer for many of the area's small schools -- is ranked at the top of the latest state poll. There are reasons why they make it look so easy.

They play more.

They shoot longer.

They work harder.

"They're willing to pay the price to succeed," said Notre Dame coach Jerry Grim as his players shot free throws to wind down a recent practice. "Everybody wants it, but not everybody is willing to make the sacrifices. I mean, if the boys weren't coming in next to practice, there would be kids staying around until we'd have to run them out. For a girls team, that's unusual."

It's not like Notre Dame's girls, at 21-3, are so much better athletes than the rest of the 1A and 2A schools in the area. They're quick but not blazing quick, and they don't jump three inches higher than everybody else.

But considering Notre Dame had 10 girls participate in AAU basketball last summer, maybe it's no surprise that it beat Kelly, the second seed in the upcoming Class 2A, District 2 tournament, by 21 points earlier this year.

"I really think the work in the offseason pays off," said Notre Dame center Deana McCormick, known for her hours of practice which has produced, among other things, a nice hook shot.

"Whether it's the Show-Me games, camps or open gyms, we're always doing something in the summer," chimed in Courtney Vickery, the team's point guard.

"You've got to admire these kids," Grim said. "All the other things in their life, all of the womanly things to do, they're still willing to put in the time for basketball. They work their butts off and I really respect these kids."

Extra motivation

Despite Notre Dame's stellar track record the previous two years, the Lady Bulldogs have twice been thwarted in the quarterfinal round of the state tournament.

The last two years, Notre Dame appeared to be the better team, but the Lady Bulldogs failed to make it past John Burroughs.

"If we don't make it this year, I'll be so -- mad," said Vickery, rolling her eyes. "Mad's not even the word."

Grim said his team isn't looking past anybody, but if everything plays out like expected, there will be another Notre Dame-John Burroughs matchup for the right to go to Columbia.

"It's been a motivating factor," Grim said. "Last year we got the shots, they just didn't fall. We lost that game, but the year before I thought we had it taken away from us. These kids want to be in that position again."

Team makeup

Notre Dame has a rare combination of starters.

In McCormick, the Lady Bulldogs have arguably the best center in the region. In Lisa Millham, they have arguably the best shooter. In Ashley Millham, they have a slasher; in Ali Tyson, they have a good defender and in Vickery, they have one of the best point guards in the region.

Notre Dame had Erin Pfau come off the bench in a recent game and score 22 points.

"They've grown so close on and off the court," Grim said. "This is a very unselfish team. They don't mind making the extra pass."

Any one of Notre Dame's starters could probably average many more points per game on another team.

"I'd rather be on a team with these people than be the star on a team that's not very good," said Vickery. "I'd rather win and go farther than to be recognized more."

Bring 'em on

In addition to the extra work, Notre Dame faces a tough schedule.

All three of Notre Dame's losses came to Class 4A schools Jackson, Cape Central and Poplar Bluff, ranked second in Class 4A.

Notre Dame later avenged its losses to Cape Central and Jackson.

Five of Notre Dame's 23 opponents have been against 2A teams and the Lady Bulldogs played only one 1A team. The rest were against 3A or 4A schools.