Jackson's dominant win over Notre Dame sets stage for district title showdown against Cor Jesu

There was once a time when the Jackson girls' basketball team couldn't beat Notre Dame.

Now, there's a time when the Indians can't stop beating the Bulldogs.

Prior to the start of the 2024-25 season, Notre Dame was riding a 13-game winning streak over Jackson. The Indians exacted four years' worth of payback with a win in the SEMO Conference Tournament, on their homecourt, and in the Class 6 District 1 Tournament.

Addison Henderson scored 21 points to lead the Indians to a 73-37 win over the Bulldogs on Saturday, March 8, to advance to the district title game, at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis. Camryn Alsdorf scored 13 points for Jackson, who made a total of 10 shots from the three-point line.

"Shots have fallen," Henderson said. "The whole team's shots were falling, so it worked out pretty well."

Henderson took charge early with seven points to help the Indians establish a 16-7 lead in the first quarter. She kept it up in the second quarter with a pair of three-point baskets while Alsdorf added five points to put Jackson ahead 31-21 entering halftime.

The Indians jump out of the gates entering the second half faster than the first half. A 19-4 run lasted through the third quarter, giving Jackson a 50-25 lead entering the fourth quarter.

When most teams cruise in the fourth quarter after a large lead, the Indians' offense kept going. Eight different players found the basket and outscored Notre Dame 23-12 in the game's final minutes.

Mia Panton led the Bulldogs with 19 points. Notre Dame finishes the season with a 13-15 record and an end to its streak of six straight district championships.

Jackson enters the district final with a 25-1 record, eclipsing the 2019 team who went 24-5 with a district championship.

"We've been bonding and playing together as a team and we haven't gotten mad at each other," Henderson said.

The Indians will take on Cor Jesu Academy at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Jackson has previously defeated Cor Jesu 66-63 on the road on Feb. 22.

"We need to close out harder," Henderson said. "Other than that, we have a solid chance."