Notre Dame-Fairfield Girls Upset Enfield for Berth in State Finals

For the sixth time, Notre Dame-Fairfield will be playing in the girls basketball state championship game, in the process hoping for a different result than the previous five trips.

The Lancers traveled to Berlin High School Friday night for a semifinal showdown with undefeated Enfield, and emerged with a 60-55 victory that spoiled the Raiders' perfect season.

After jumping to an early seven-point lead, Notre Dame saw the Raiders briefly take the lead late in the second quarter. However, a last-second three-point basket from the left corner by Whitney Fulton gave the Lancers a 31-28 edge at intermission.

Enfield's 6-foot-3 forward Mary Baskerville picked up her third and fourth fouls in a 25-second span shortly after halftime, sending her to the bench with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Baskerville returned with 4:25 to play in regulation, and immediately scored a pair of layups. However, with her team down 47-46, she was whistled for her fifth foul with 2:49 left, relegating her to the sidelines.

The Lancers assumed the lead for good with 2:02 remaining on a three-pointer by Precious Montgomery. With Enfield forced to foul, Notre Dame sank eight free throws down the stretch to seal its berth in the title game.

Taylor Ceballos led Notre Dame with 20 points, while Gabrielle Joseph had 13 and Fulton, Montgomery and Dayniera Artis each contributed nine.

Danielle Delano had a game-high 24 points for Enfield, while Baskerville scored 13.

The Lancers will face undefeated and top-seeded Cromwell for the championship at the Mohegan Sun Arena on either March 19 or 20.

Photo credit: Tim Jensen