The defending champions, Notre Dame-West Haven, faced a formidable opponent in Notre Dame Prep. The Green Knights dominated for most of the game, securing a 68-61 victory. Junior guard Abdou Toure led the charge with an impressive double-double, recording 21 points and 13 rebounds. This win marks the fourth consecutive year that Notre Dame-West Haven has defeated Notre Dame Prep in the CIAC tournament.

St. Bernard’s Path to the Finals

St. Bernard continued their remarkable journey by defeating East Catholic 68-58 in the semifinals. Senior guard Amyre Gray played a pivotal role, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. This victory secures St. Bernard’s third consecutive trip to the state final, highlighting their consistent excellence in Connecticut high school basketball.

A Rematch at Mohegan Sun Arena

The upcoming championship game between Notre Dame-West Haven and St. Bernard is a rematch of last season’s final, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, setting the stage for a captivating showdown at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Notre Dame-West Haven Secures Spot in the Finals

Notre Dame-West Haven, one of the most dominant high school basketball programs in Connecticut, punched its ticket to the championship game with a 68-61 victory over Notre Dame-Fairfield. This win marks another successful postseason for the Green Knights, who have maintained their reputation as a powerhouse in the CIAC Division I bracket.

Key Players and Game Analysis

• Abdou Toure’s Dominance
  The 6’6” junior forward played a crucial role in securing the victory, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His ability to control the paint on both ends of the court was a game-changer.

• Backcourt Leadership
  Point guard Jayden Reid contributed 15 points and 7 assists, ensuring that Notre Dame’s offense remained efficient. His composure under pressure was vital in fending off a late-game surge by Notre Dame-Fairfield.

• Strong Defensive Presence
  Notre Dame-West Haven’s aggressive full-court press forced 17 turnovers, leading to crucial fast-break points that widened their lead in the second half.

Notre Dame-Fairfield fought valiantly, with standout performances from Elijah Jones (19 points, 8 rebounds) and Tyler Simmons (14 points, 5 assists), but ultimately, their efforts fell short as Notre Dame-West Haven maintained control in the final minutes.

St. Bernard Continues Their Championship Run

St. Bernard, the reigning CIAC Division I runner-up, is back in the finals after a 68-58 victory over East Catholic in the semifinals. This marks their third straight trip to the state championship, an impressive feat for head coach Mark Jones and his squad.

How They Won the Semifinals

• Amyre Gray’s Clutch Performance
  The senior guard showcased his scoring prowess, dropping 23 points while shooting 55% from the field. His ability to score in isolation and off the pick-and-roll was key to breaking down East Catholic’s defense.

• Defensive Adjustments
  St. Bernard struggled early on, trailing by 8 points at halftime, but a defensive switch to a 2-3 zone in the second half completely shifted the momentum. The adjustment limited East Catholic’s perimeter shooting and forced them into difficult contested shots.

• Balanced Scoring Attack
  Alongside Gray’s stellar performance, Jordan Riley (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Chris Carpenter (12 points, 4 steals) played pivotal roles in ensuring St. Bernard pulled away in the fourth quarter.

East Catholic’s Jason Wheeler (21 points, 9 rebounds) kept the game close, but St. Bernard’s superior defensive execution in the second half sealed the win.

The Championship Game: A Highly Anticipated Rematch

With Notre Dame-West Haven and St. Bernard set to face off at Mohegan Sun Arena, this rematch is poised to be an electrifying contest. Last year’s championship battle saw Notre Dame-West Haven narrowly edge out St. Bernard by just three points (72-69) in an overtime thriller.

Key Storylines to Watch in the Championship

1. Can St. Bernard Overcome Last Year’s Heartbreak?

   • St. Bernard came inches away from the title last season. With a core group of experienced seniors, they are hungry for redemption.

2. The Battle in the Paint: Abdou Toure vs. Jordan Riley

   • Toure’s ability to dominate inside will be tested against Riley, who brings athleticism and shot-blocking ability to the defensive end.

3. Coaching Strategies and Adjustments

   • Both head coaches, Jason Shea (Notre Dame-West Haven) and Mark Jones (St. Bernard), are known for their tactical expertise. Who will make the right in-game adjustments to gain the upper hand?

4. The X-Factors: Bench Contributions

   • Depth could be a deciding factor. St. Bernard’s Chris Carpenter and Notre Dame’s Jason Miller will play crucial roles as key reserves.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

This championship game has all the makings of a classic showdown. Notre Dame-West Haven enters as the defending champion, while St. Bernard is fueled by last year’s heartbreak. Expect a back-and-forth battle with intense defense, star performances, and a dramatic finish.

Who will emerge victorious at Mohegan Sun? We’ll find out soon in what promises to be one of the most exciting CIAC Division I championship games in recent memory.