As both the girls and boys Notre Dame Academy basketball teams head into postseason tournament time, they each have big dreams and goals to achieve.
The Lady Tritons went undefeated in the FRCC (16-0) with an overall 22-4 recor. They won the conference title and then went on to win a regional championship last Saturday, February 28, after securing the number two seed for playoffs.
“We will have to be mentally and physically tough… we will need to do all the little things well— communicate, rebound, make free throws, win 50/50 balls,” said Head Coach Sara Rhode.
The girls defeated #3 seed Kimberly Papermakers Thursday night at Appleton North and now head to D.C. Everest Saturday to play Stevens Point for the sectional championship and the chance to play at the Resch Center for the state title.
Kimberly, last year’s D-1 state champion, had the same 22-4 record as the Tritons this season. Last season the NDA girls fell to Kimberly in the playoffs.
“We hope to see a ton of fans in the stands cheering loud!” exclaimed Rhode.
As for the boys team, they took second in conference and boast an 18-6 record. The boys are the number one seed in Division II.
“Our goal is to make it past the first weekend, and then we take on another goal after that,” said Head Coach Brian Bobinski about his goals for the team in postseason play..
Their first playoff game will take place Friday, March 6, at NDA against the ninth-seed Ashwaubenon Jaguars, who are 6-19 overall.
“The school is always a better place when students support each other” said Bobinski in discussing about how important fans are for big games going forward.
Plenty FRCC conference awards were given to both the girls and boys.
Seniors Kaia Waldrop, Aspen Abel and Destiny Webster all received first team all-conference honors for the girls. Junior Brianna Breese received an honorable mention, and Webster was also a part of the defensive team.
For the boys, senior Leo Weber and junior Austin Hendricks made first team. Junior Aj Hendricks made second team and senior Jack Warden received honorable mention. Austin Hendricks was also a part of the defensive team.
