By Rich Palzewic

Contributing Writer

GREEN BAY – Everything Notre Dame Academy senior Emmett Lawton launched toward the rim last night had a chance to go in – at least in the first half.

Lawton scored 32 points, including 23 before halftime in the Tritons’ 67-56 victory over Green Bay Southwest in Fox River Classic Conference (FRCC) action at Notre Dame.

During one stretch, Lawton scored 16 consecutive points for the Tritons (6-4 overall, 4-3 FRCC).

He also nailed four three-pointers before halftime.

“I came off a few games shooting a lower percentage, so I knew I was due for a big game,” Lawton said. “I got a few shooting sessions in, and it paid off in the first half.”

Lawton said he was feeling the energy from the student section.

“After I made my first few shots, I fed off their energy,” he said.

Notre Dame coach Brian Bobinski said his senior leader gets the opposing team’s best effort every game.

“It’s been a challenge for Emmett this season,” he said. “He doesn’t know how the other team is going to guard him and what look he’s going to get. They might run a second or third guy at him. There have been nights he’s been frustrated, but he got off to a good start tonight.”

Sophomore Adam Guyette also had a big night for the Tritons with 14 points.

“Adam played on the freshman team last season,” Bobinski said. “I didn’t have thoughts about him playing varsity for us this season, but some injuries (to other players) led to that. This summer, he started showing some signs and worked hard. He’s been unexpectedly good for us – he brings a lot to the team and has a bright future.”

Lawton scored eight points as Notre Dame bolted out to an 18-5 lead six minutes into the game.

Trailing 27-12, Southwest (6-7, 4-4) went on a 12-3 run to cut the lead to 30-24 with five minutes remaining until halftime.

Lawton then scored five straight points to end the half – including a three-pointer seconds before the first-half buzzer sounded.

In the second half, the Trojans got to within 50-45 with 6:50 remaining, but the Tritons responded with a 9-3 run to regain control.

“It was a good win for us,” Bobinski said. “Southwest has had a nice start to its season. We’ve been bouncing around a bit, so it was a nice night for us.”

Connor Pytleski led Southwest with 16 points.

After starting the season 5-1, the Trojans have lost six of their last seven games.

Lawton to Washington University

Lawton had several offers to play Division II/III basketball or soccer, but ultimately, he settled on Washington University – a Division III school in St. Louis.

“I’ll be studying pre-med,” Lawton said. “I wanted to use my basketball talents to find the best academic school I could get to. I feel like this is the best fit for me.”

Lawton said he could have stayed home in Green Bay to play college soccer as well.

“(Division I) UW-Green Bay offered me, too,” he said. “Ultimately, I kept going back to Washington University – I committed shortly after the New Year.”

Bobinski said Washington University “is getting a great player and student.”

“I wanted Emmett to pick whichever sport made him happy,” he said. “With the conversations we’ve had, I thought maybe he was leaning the basketball route. He’s good at both – it wasn’t an easy decision for him. Washington University is a great fit for him and a great academic school. They play in a tough Division III conference – they’re flying all over the country and recruit nationally.”