By Emma Bynes
@emma_bynes4
In a trip up to the Panini Hoophall Classic, Notre Dame Prep (CT) started off the tournament slate on Saturday with a 72-57 win against Mater Dei. The Lancers keyed off the game with a narrow 15-13 lead to end the first quarter, after a 5-0 run led by point guard Josh Charlot.
“We were trying to say before the game that you just need to play four eight minute periods. We try to shrink the game down. We did some good things today,” said Notre Dame head coach Brian Kriefter.
Although Notre Dame has dominated the competition in Connecticut, the Lancers have really struggled against out of state opponents with two losses. Their performance in state has been enough to garner them a ranking of number two (GametimeCT).
“We went to Florida early on in the season and we went one and two, but they were good games,” said Jameer Reed. “Playing out of state teams is always good to get out of our comfort zone. We know most teams in Connecticut so it’s good.”
Led by the standout junior Charlot, who leads the team in nearly every statistical category, the Lancers got out to a 36-22 lead by the half. Charlot is a vocal leader on the court — directing traffic for his teammates and encouraging them.
“[Kriefter] had a conversation about it yesterday. I think it’s about leading when things are going well and when things are going bad,” said Charlot.
Charlot along with senior captain Reed earned eight of their 15 trips to the free throw line during the game. Reed stands tall in the middle for the Lancers at six foot seven inches. The tandem of upperclassmen know each other well, and combined for 33 points on Saturday morning.
“We live together, that’s probably where it starts from,” said Reed. “He’s just like a little brother to me. Having that off court bond really helps.”
Reed, who had 15 points at the half, is a proud and passionate New Zealander who came to Notre Dame Prep just last season.
Playing with a short bench, contributions from Reed, Charlot and company are all the more important. WIth the game in hand with three minutes remaining in the fourth and the score being 69-50, mass substitutions came in for the Lancers.
“This is the mecca as far as I’m concerned at the high school level,” said Kriefter. “It was an honor. I grew up when Mater Dei was the mecca of powerhouse feeders too. [Coach Gary McKnight] is a legend. I told him ‘It’s an honor to share the court with you.’”
The goals this season for the Lancers are clear cut — win the southwest conference, win the CIAC’s Division I state tournament and make a name for themselves at the Hoophall Classic. They’ll have tough competition heading to states as Division I is stacked with teams such as East Catholic and Notre Dame West Haven, who will also appear in this year’s Hoophall Classic.
Photo courtesy of Kaleb Knowles/The Student