Notre Dame falls to Wauwatosa East 62-58 in WIAA Division 1 state semifinal
Late rally falls short as Tritons exit 50th girls state tournament
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Notre Dame Academy’s bid to win its first WIAA Division 1 championship ended Friday night, as Wauwatosa East defeated the Tritons 62-58 in the state semifinal. The undefeated Red Raiders, entering at 28-0, held off a late NDA comeback to advance.
First half
Wauwatosa East led 23-19 in the first half after a steal off NDA’s Ava Cumicek led to a basket for the Red Raiders. The Tritons trailed by six at the break.
Second half
Notre Dame Academy pulled even at 38-38 in the second half on an and-one by Cumicek. But Wauwatosa East answered back, and Mikaia Litzka had an and-one of her own to push the lead to eight.
With four minutes remaining, Maisi Hinz cut the deficit to 60-54. A Destiny Webster to Kaia Waldrop basket out of a trap with two minutes left made it 60-56. Webster scored again with 1:08 to play, pulling NDA within two at 60-58.
The Tritons got the ball back down two, but a long pass sailed out of bounds. Wauwatosa East converted its free throws to seal the 62-58 victory.
What they said
Waldrop, a senior who finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds, said the team came into the tournament with something to prove.
“We were so motivated this year to be back at state, and show that we deserved to be here,” Waldrop said.
Senior Destiny Webster, who finished with nine points and four assists, reflected on the season.
“I know I enjoyed every single moment with these girls and I am never going to forget it,” Webster said.
Head coach Sara Rohde credited her players’ effort down the stretch.
“I am really proud of them. We came out there at the end and got some steals, got some jump balls, and we came down and executed. Very proud of them for that. They have been fighters all year,” Rohde said.
NDA entered the tournament having won three consecutive Division 1 state titles from 2021 to 2023 and earning a runner-up finish in 2024. The 50th WIAA girls state tournament marks the program’s first appearance in Division 1 competition.
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