Notre Dame wins big over NMCC for Boeller’s 100th career win

As the final buzzer sounded on Notre Dame’s 85-25 win over New Madrid County Central there would be more to celebrate for the Bulldogs.

It was announced that Thursday’s victory was the 100th for Bulldogs coach Kirk Boeller.

“It’s a little bit surreal,” Boeller said. “It’s gone by quick.”

Notre Dame's Tori Rubel dribbles up the court during the Bulldogs' 85-25 win over NMCC on Thursday at Notre Dame Regional High School.Clay Herrell ~ cherrell@semoball.com

The Bulldogs came out firing on all cylinders offensively as they hopped out to a 20-0 lead.

“I thought we came out focused,” Boeller said. “I thought we played four really hard quarters of basketball.”

Notre Dame led 23-6 after the first and took a 45-12 lead into the locker room at halftime. Boeller attributed the success defensively to the focus his team played with.

Notre Dame's Tori Rubel drives toward the basket against New Madrid County Central on Thursday in Notre Dame Regional High School. Clay Herrell ~ cherrell@semoball.com

“They’re a focused group,” Boeller said. “Sometimes before games in the locker room, it’s like ‘what’s wrong?’ because they’re all quiet and they’re all focused. We haven’t had that mental drop this year and it’s impressive watching how they focus.”

Tori Rubel led the way for Notre Dame scoring 31 points, her first 30-point game as a Notre Dame Bulldog. Anna Garner had 12 points and Kate Rubel had 9 points.

Leading the way for the Eagles was Emani Summers who posted a 16 point night. Destiny Hughes chipped in 4 points in the loss.

NMCC will be back in action on Monday, Jan. 30 when the Eagles travel to take on Poplar Bluff at Poplar Bluff High School.

Notre Dame (14-3) will resume play at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30 when the Bulldogs host the Cape Central Tigers at Notre Dame Regional High School.

__Freeburg (IL) 63 Cape Central 31__

Freeburg (IL) defeated Cape Central 63-31 in the semi-final of the Hillsboro Tournament on Thursday at Hillsboro High School.

The offense of the Tigers was led by senior Taylor Horton with 17 points.

Central will play for third place in the tournament at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

__Perryville 39 Saxony Lutheran 37__

Perryville defeated Saxony Lutheran 39-37 on Thursday at Perryville High School.

The offense for the Pirates was led by senior Kyla Schnurbusch with 23 points.

Perryville will play St. Vincent (Perryville) at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

__Boys: Meadow Heights 73 Leopold 40__

Meadow Heights defeated Leopold 73-40 at Meadow Heights High School.

The offense of Meadow Heights was led by sophomore Braeden Hays who scored 19 points, followed by senior Will Green with 16 points, junior Ransom Grindstaff with 15 points and senior Koby Cook with 10 points. The Leopold offense was led by senior James Engelen who scored 11 points.

Meadow Heights and Leopold will play each other again in the MVC Tournament on Monday.