After starting the season 0-2, the Notre Dame boys’ basketball team came away with their first win of the season in thrilling fashion after senior Chris Mitchell hit a buzzer-beater shot to take down D2 #5 Ashwaubenon 74-72.

The Tritons had three players score 20+ points with Keegan King scoring 20, Emmett Lawton scoring 21 and Mitchell dropping 24, including the game-winning basket.

Behind an unbelievable night of shooting–a 64% field goal percentage and 70% from three-point range–the Tritons were able to clinch the upset on the road in a very hostile environment against a team they lost to three times last season, including in the WIAA regional final.

“It was a very important game to all of us. We needed a win to give us a new beginning on the season,” Mitchell said. “All week in practice we talked about doing whatever needed to be done to win the game. That was the goal.”

Mitchell, one of the premier guards in the FRCC, not only had a confident approach going into the game, where he shot 10/13, including a perfect 4/4 clip from deep, but said he feels the same way going into every contest. 

“It might sound cocky, but I feel like I’m going to have a great night shooting every night, he said. “If you approach it any differently, you’re expecting not to play well.”

In a back-and-forth second half, Ashwaubenon was able to tie it up with about 20 seconds remaining as senior Marcus Tomashek tied it up on a drive to the basket. Tomashek had 32 points.

Despite first-year head coach Brian Bobinski having two timeouts at his disposal, he decided to let things play out and let Mitchell run an isolation look.

“I didn’t expect a timeout,” Mitchell said. “I was surprised Ashwaubenon let us run the clock down without pressure which allowed us to set up what we wanted and take the final shot of the game.  Every player wants opportunities like that, so I was just happy to be trusted by the team to take the shot.”

In what was the first game for the Tritons in the Green Bay area in the early part of the schedule, this was the first time that many NDA fans were able to make it to a game in the young season. After a season of no fans in 2020-21, it was evident there was a lot of pent-up energy and excitement from the Notre Dame faithful.

“Our fans were awesome,” Mitchell said. “The opponent’s student section was very loud, but our students were just as good. At an away game that’s pretty amazing.  With a packed crowd like that the game becomes even more enjoyable to play and more enjoyable to watch.  I know all of the players were happy to see so many Notre Dame students in attendance, and we hope the numbers of fans continues to grow.”

The Tritons will continue with conference play as they take on a plucky Sheboygan North team in the home opener on Tuesday. North has started the season 3-0 with wins over Beaver Dam and Bay Port.