PND wins the state title

PND played Nashville in the state title game. As Mya Wardle told me in my previous article “We respect all, fear none.” That stayed the same for this state title game. Both teams come into the game with similar records. Nashville coming into the game has a record of 33-3. PND has a record of  33-4. Both teams have beaten last year's class 4A state champion O’Fallon.  

Nashville Sophomore Emma Behrman led the team with 14 points, followed by freshman Samantha Brinkman with 12. Freshman standout Emy Wardle contributed in a big way in the first half with 9 points for the Irish. PND led at halftime 26-24.  Emy Wardle turned out to be the star of the show for the Lady Irish. She finished with a team high 18 points, which included scoring all 7 of PND’s points in the 4th quarter. Emy hit the go ahead basket with 1.3 seconds left for the Irish to win 48-46. 

PND finished their historic season with their first state championship in program history. Along with their first state title here are some of the other accolades they accomplished. They won their first super sectional title in program history. They won 34 games this year which is the most in program history. 

I talked with a few of the PND girls to get their thoughts on winning the state championship. 

Mya Wardle

Senior Mya Wardle didn’t take the last show. Instead it was her sister. I asked her why she had Emy take the final shot.  “Truthfully I couldn’t see but I knew Emy was hot and could see over and I knew she would find a way to the rim and get a shot or fouled.”

Mya reflects on her time here at Peoria Notre Dame. “Man everything honestly. The girls the most for sure. They are my family and I love them so much no one understands how close we are. I’ll miss all my coaches and all the bus rides, team dinners, trips, and more. It’s been a great ride.”

Emy Wardle 

Mya talks about how her sister got to take the final shot.  “She just said she was confident in her shot that she would either make it or get fouled but she knew we all trusted her and she just did what she does.”

Lexi Baer 

I asked Lexi Baer what it’s like to win a state title. “It feels amazing! I mean we have been training for this day all season! It’s honestly a dream come true!” 

Kaitlin Cassidy

I asked Kaitlin Cassidy what it’s like to be a state champion. “This is one of the most joyful moments of my entire life. It’s just so surreal. This is every little girl’s dream and I hope we inspired a lot of young kids today. I’ll never forget being with this team and the final moments of that game.”

Freshman Emy Wardle came in clutch for the lady irish. She scored all 7 points in the 4th quarter including the final shot to win the game. Kaitlin Cassidy talks about how much Emy means to this team. “She’s the best freshman I’ve ever been teammates with. Emy thrives off of pressure and does so well in big moments. She’s our calm in the storm and keeps us chill in big moments. I don’t think we would’ve made it where we are without her.” 

This was the last game for the seniors. Kaitlin talks about how she will have a special bond with these seniors for the rest of her life. “They always made me smile even on days that weren’t the best. I’m just glad that they got to end their high school careers this way. They are my best friends and no doubt we’ll be friends for the rest of our lives.”

The Peoria Notre Dame Lady Irish end the year on a high with a state championship. This team will go down in history as the best girls basketball team this program has ever had.