Notre Dame-Fairfield Finally Wins Elusive Basketball Championship

UNCASVILLE, CT — The third time - in the third different division - proved to be the charm for the Notre Dame-Fairfield boys basketball team when it comes to dealing with perennial powerhouse Sacred Heart.

After falling to the Hearts in the Class M championship game in 2016 and again in the 2017 Class L title matchup, the Lancers finally broke the hex Sunday, riding a 30-point performance by Tyler Bourne to a 65-60 victory in the Division I finals at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Bourne poured in 13 of his points in the final quarter, which began with the Lancers trailing 45-43. Sacred Heart opened up a four-point advantage early in the final period, but the Lancers came back to take a four-point lead of their own.

The Hearts reclaimed the lead at 55-54 with 3:19 remaining, but a five-point spurt put Notre Dame back in front to stay. Bourne iced the victory with six free throws in the final 2:25.

Noreaga Davis tallied 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Lancers, who also received 11 points from Josh Reaves. Raheem Solomon had a game-high 33 points and 12 rebounds for the Hearts, while Isian Gaiter added 10 points.

Photo and video credits: Tim Jensen