Tritons rise to the moment, set up Conference showdown

GREEN BAY — In a physical, high-energy matchup with major conference implications, Notre Dame Academy (17-5) delivered when it mattered most, pulling away in the second half to defeat West De Pere (15-6) 79-63.

The win was more than just another rivalry victory. It moved the Tritons into a tie with De Pere at 14-2 in conference play, setting up a massive showdown next week that could very well decide the conference champion.

From the opening tip, the intensity reflected what was at stake.

The first half was chippy and emotional. Players battled for rebounds, dove for loose balls, all while both student sections stayed on their feet the entire night. Every possession felt contested. At halftime, Notre Dame held a slim 30-27 lead, with both teams leaning heavily on their top scorers.

Jack Warden paced the Tritons with 10 first half points, while West De Pere’s Jack Wilichowski matched him with 10 to keep the Phantoms within striking distance.

Warden said his mindset entering the game centered on consistency and effort.

“I was really focused on defense and just working hard the whole game and then completing two halves fully of basketball, playing hard,” Warden said.

West De Pere brought its usual physical presence, crashing the boards and making every possession difficult. Notre Dame responded with toughness of its own.

“We just try to get scrappy and do the most we can on the boards and just get after them,” Warden said.

The second half opened with an intense back and forth stretch. For the first few minutes, neither team could create separation. Austin Hendricks and AJ Hendricks helped stabilize Notre Dame’s offense, attacking the rim and knocking down key shots to prevent West De Pere from gaining momentum. 

Then the Tritons made their move.

Midway through the second half, Notre Dame tightened up defensively and began converting stops into points. What had been a three point game slowly turned into a double digit lead. The energy in the gym shifted as the Tritons found rhythm and the Phantoms struggled to respond.

Warden finished with 22 points to lead Notre Dame, matching Austin Hendricks, who also scored 22. AJ Hendricks added 17, giving the Tritons a very balanced offensive attack.

For West De Pere, Wilichowski led the way with 21 points, while Patrick Greisen added 14. The Phantoms stayed within reach through halftime but could not keep pace once Notre Dame surged in the final minutes of the game.

The 79-63 final score exemplified the Tritons’ ability to withstand physical pressure, execute defensively, and close out a high stakes game.

With the victory, Notre Dame now finds itself tied atop the conference standings with De Pere at 14-2. The two teams will meet next week in what could very likely amount to a conference championship game.

Before that showdown, however, the Tritons must take care of business against a tough Bay Port team on Friday. Warden made it clear the approach will not change.

“We just got to be focused, get two days of practice, and then let them have it,” he said.

Notre Dame’s path to a potential title game runs directly through Friday night's game against Bay Port. Meanwhile, West De Pere will look to regroup at home against Ashwaubenon on Friday as both teams prepare for the final stretch before the playoffs.