Low-Scoring Final in Class M Girls Basketball

UNCASVILLE, CT - In 2013, Cromwell defeated Notre Dame-Fairfield 42-28 to capture its first Class M girls basketball championship.

Lancer rooters must have felt a sense of deja vu Saturday, as Cromwell utilized a patient ball control offense to post a 43-20 victory at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

In winning its second Class M crown in four years, the Panthers atoned for their championship game loss to St. Joseph in 2015, and did so in perfect fashion at 25-0.

Notre Dame, the 11th seed, came into the finals as a decided underdog, but was riding high on the momentum of an upset 60-55 win over previously-unbeaten Enfield in the semifinals.

It was not meant to be for the Lancers Saturday, as Cromwell broke open a two-point game with a 14-6 advantage in the second quarter to enter halftime with a 21-11 margin.

The Panthers gradually pulled away to cement their title and unblemished season.

Emma Belcourt of Cromwell as the only player to reach double figures in scoring, tallying 11 points.

Gabrielle Joseph led the Lancers with eight points, while Zuquila Mbachiantim pulled down eight rebounds.

Notre Dame finished with an 18-7 record.

Photo credit: Tim Jensen