Things looked bleak for Morton from the beginning.  Notre Dame led 24-5 at the end of the first period and Notre Dame guard Jordan Frericks had two points, two steals, and a rebound within the first two minutes of the game.

The Raiders continued to break Morton’s defense and pushed their way to a 67-51 victory.  Guard Kassidy Gengenbacher and Frericks led the team in scoring with 15 and 12 points respectively.  Frericks also totaled three blocks, four steals, and eight rebounds while guard Cassiday Foley picked up seven steals.

Gengenbacher averages 18.5 points per game and Frericks averages 17.5 points per game.  As expected, they led the team against Morton and helped make it to the 3A state championship.

This is Notre Dame’s first year in the 3A division and already have a shot at taking the state title.  Coach Eric Orne has led the program to 2A state titles in the past two years and now has a chance to get his third in a row.

“It tells a lot about our program,” said Orne.  “I think we’re always wanting to win.”

To take the title, the Raiders will have to beat Vernon Hills, who won the first semifinal against Montini.  Notre Dame put up what appeared to be a stronger performance, so they should be in good shape for the finals.  A full preview of the game should be available Saturday morning.

“We certainly have a lot of respect for Vernon Hills,” said Orne.  “They have a lot of size and are very powerful.”

Photos by Mike Krebs/The Voice