Notre Dame comes from behind to reach consolation championship

Notre Dame's Reece Callow puts up a three-point shot against Kelly in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Wednesday in the Show Me Center.

Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

The Notre Dame Bulldogs overcame a 15-point first-half deficit to beat the Kelly Hawks 54-49 on Wednesday afternoon at the Show Me Center.

Bulldogs coach Paul Unterreiner said the second quarter was key in the comeback for his team.

“I’m really proud of the way we played in the second quarter,” Unterreiner said. “We just tried to encourage them to fly around and have a little fun and enjoy being around each other. I thought tonight was the best I’ve seen us do that type of stuff.”

Key in the comeback for the Bulldogs was Kolton Johnson who led the way with 24 points on four made threes. Unterreiner also credited Johnson’s defense for providing a spark.

“I thought what happened in the first half was we did a good job of not settling for threes and getting to that 15-foot range and it kind of got him going,” Unterriener said. “Then he found some space in the second half and knocked down some big threes for us. I also think it was the most active he’s been defensively which I think takes all that pressure off of you offensively.”

After losing its opening game to Scott City, Unterreiner is excited about the opportunity to finish the tournament 3-1.

“Anytime you get a chance to go 3-1 in a tournament, it’s a good tournament,” Unterreriner said. “These games are extremely important to each and every one of our guys here and everyone on our coaching staff. We’re just trying to get better no matter who we’re playing.”

Unterreiner has seen his team grow through the first three games this week.

“Today was a big game for us because Kelly is a good team and they have a great coach,” Unterreiner said. “What I saw change from us is that we responded. We responded to going down big early, we responded to going down big in the second half and until now we haven’t responded to that type of stuff so I’m just super proud.”

Kelly (5-6) is back in action following the new year when the Hawks travel to take on Charleston at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 3.

Notre Dame (4-5) will play the winner of Meadow Heights and Chaffee at 3 p.m. tomorrow in the consolation championship at the Show Me Center.