Notre Dame storms into 2A girls' quarterfinal

Notre Dame Regional High School's march toward a girls' state championship continues.

The Bulldogs advanced to Saturday's quarterfinal round with a 60-41 pounding of Twin Rivers in a Class 2A sectional game at Cape Girardeau Central on Wednesday.

With Twin Rivers (25-4) intent on stopping Notre Dame's prime scorers, the unlikely duo of Courtney Vickery and Ali Tyson provided an offensive spark for the Bulldogs (26-2).

"We told them if they were going to let them take 'em, then take 'em," Notre Dame coach Jerry Grim said.

Vickery, who finished with a team-high 15 points, scored 10 in the first half to lead the Bulldogs to a 21-13 first-half advantage. Tyson was the second-leading scorer with 10 points.

"We know that we have to step up when we have the shots, so our scorers can get open later," Vickery said.

Notre Dame's usual scoring leaders -- Deana McCormick, Ashley and Lisa Millham -- were held to a combined seven points in the first half.

"Ideally, we wanted to contain McCormick and let the other folks beat us," Twin Rivers coach Jeff Walk said, "but they made the shots.

"We're not good enough to match up with all five of them."

But it may have been the smothering defense of Notre Dame that was key. During the second quarter, Notre Dame held Twin Rivers scoreless for the final five minutes, forcing one turnover after another with its full-court pressure.

"That much pressure, continuously, takes its toll," Grim said, "and that's our goal."

Notre Dame outscored Twin Rivers 19-8 in the third quarter to take a 40-21 lead. Reserves played much of the final quarter.

Twin Rivers sophomore guard Amanda Lance had 19 points.

Notre Dame, its only two losses to Class 4A Poplar Bluff, will meet John Burroughs in the quarterfinal round at 6:30 p.m. Saturday night in Park Hills, Mo.

The danger of looking past an opponent doesn't worry Grim.

"This is the most focused group I've ever had," Grim said. "They take each game one at a time and do the best they can do and we just let things fall where they may."

Charleston 67, Twin Rivers 63

Charleston won the boys' sectional game in a thrilling overtime finish.

The Bluejays (20-8) were led by Lezcano Dean with 22 points and Jordy Mixon with 18. The Royals (24-5) got 22 points from Steve Deken and 10 each from Seth McBroom and Robbie Moore.

Charleston, which was hurt by 18-of-38 free-throw shooting, led virtually the entire way before Twin Rivers surged ahead in the fourth quarter.

A 3-pointer by Dean in the late going forged a 58-58 tie and the teams headed to overtime that way.

Charleston will play Lutheran North in a quarterfinal at 8:15 p.m. Saturday at Park Hills, Mo.

llewis@semissourian.com

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