Fairfield — A mere months after losing their head coach Jim Myers to a seven year battle with cancer, the Notre Dame Nike girls’ basketball team is going dancing again.
Knocking on the door of a return trip each of the last two years, the Nikes left no doubt last night earning an 83-22 win over English Valleys, punching their ticket to Des Moines for the first time since 2017.
“These girls are so focused and motivated by Jim. I mean, this is what they’re playing forward. I just wanted to keep them focused on what we came here to do, how we got here and what’s going to continue going on if we keep winning and accomplishing goals” head coach Cory Stephens said.
After English Valleys scored the opening bucket, Notre Dame went on an a tsunami even the Coast Guard would not be prepared for.
A 25-0 first quarter gave the Nikes a 25-2 lead at the end of one, growing it to 50-11 at the end of the first half.
All 14 Nikes who dressed played, with nine of them scoring.
Megan Harrell led the way with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Lauren Krieger finished with 16.
Gabby Deery chipped in with 10 points and six boards.
English Valleys closes their season 21-4, while Notre Dame is now 23-0.
The Nikes will play second-ranked Algona Bishop Garrigan in their Class 1A state quarterfinal on March 2nd at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Tip is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.