Notre Dame Pandas make history in Sweet 16 first-round win over PikevilleBrendan Connelly, Cincinnati EnquirerThu, March 12, 2026 at 1:05 AM UTC·5 min read
Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross drives to the basket during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Avery Sturgeon (4) of Holy Cross shoots a 3-pointer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Jai Johnson (1) of Holy Cross drives through the Notre Dame defense during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Alyssa Arlinghaus (3) of Holy Cross is fouled during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Holy Cross student section celebrates a three-point score during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Lacey Hunt (2) of Holy Cross prepares to hand the ball off during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Alyssa Arlinghaus (3) of Holy Cross comes off a screen during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Lacey Hunt (black jersey) of Holy Cross and Sarah Young (white jersey) reach to grab a rebound during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Jai Johnson (1) of Holy Cross steps back from her defender during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Holy Cross student section keeps the energy going during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Avery Sturgeon (4) of Holy Cross looks to run a play for her offense during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) of Notre Dame secures a rebound during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross fights through contact during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Ted Arlinghaus of Holy Cross applauds his team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame student section came out in school colors to support their team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Jai Johnson (1) of Holy Cross attempts a layup during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Holy Cross cheerleaders lead their team in a chant during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Amelia Stallard (1) of Notre Dame drives to the paint during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Emma Holtzapfel (12) of Notre Dame releases a three-point attempt during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Holy Cross fans sitting courtside cheer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey of Notre Dame attempts a layup during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame bench roars as they try to pull away during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) of Notre Dame drives through the lane during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Emma Holtzapfel (12) of Notre Dame surveys the floor during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) attempts a three-pointer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame student section cheer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Ted Arlinghaus and the Holy Cross bench celebrate a tying basket during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Pandemonium from the Holy Cross student section during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Jai Johnson (1) and Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross high-five after a big change in possession during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) of Notre Dame looks to push past her defender during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Emma Holtzapfel (12) of Notre Dame attempts a free throw to take the lead in overtime during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Paige Arlinghaus (5) of Holy Cross tries to secure a rebound for her team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Sarah Young (10) of Notre Dame blocks a last second shot attempt during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame Academy celebrates their win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame Academy is moving on in the KHSAA playoffs following the Regional girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame student section celebrates their team's win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame players rejoice after time expires in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
George Stoll of Notre Dame Academy congratulates his players after they secure a win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Fans of Notre Dame Academy congratulate their players on a hard-fought win during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Sarah Young of Notre Dame is surrounded by her teammates as she is given the MVP award.
Holy Cross cheerleader chants for her team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
George Stoll instructs his team during a timeout as the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final continues Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
Notre Dame Academy players rejoice with their fellow students after their win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.
George Stoll of Notre Dame Academy is interviewed following the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.1 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross drives to the basket during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.1 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross drives to the basket during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.2 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Avery Sturgeon (4) of Holy Cross shoots a 3-pointer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.3 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Jai Johnson (1) of Holy Cross drives through the Notre Dame defense during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.4 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Alyssa Arlinghaus (3) of Holy Cross is fouled during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.5 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Holy Cross student section celebrates a three-point score during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.6 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Lacey Hunt (2) of Holy Cross prepares to hand the ball off during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.7 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Alyssa Arlinghaus (3) of Holy Cross comes off a screen during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.8 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Lacey Hunt (black jersey) of Holy Cross and Sarah Young (white jersey) reach to grab a rebound during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.9 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Jai Johnson (1) of Holy Cross steps back from her defender during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.10 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Holy Cross student section keeps the energy going during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.11 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Avery Sturgeon (4) of Holy Cross looks to run a play for her offense during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.12 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) of Notre Dame secures a rebound during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.13 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross fights through contact during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.14 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Ted Arlinghaus of Holy Cross applauds his team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.15 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame student section came out in school colors to support their team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.16 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Jai Johnson (1) of Holy Cross attempts a layup during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.17 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Holy Cross cheerleaders lead their team in a chant during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.18 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Amelia Stallard (1) of Notre Dame drives to the paint during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.19 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Emma Holtzapfel (12) of Notre Dame releases a three-point attempt during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.20 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Holy Cross fans sitting courtside cheer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.21 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey of Notre Dame attempts a layup during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.22 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame bench roars as they try to pull away during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.23 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) of Notre Dame drives through the lane during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.24 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Emma Holtzapfel (12) of Notre Dame surveys the floor during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.25 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) attempts a three-pointer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.26 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame student section cheer during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.27 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Ted Arlinghaus and the Holy Cross bench celebrate a tying basket during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.28 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Pandemonium from the Holy Cross student section during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.29 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Jai Johnson (1) and Riley Eberhard (11) of Holy Cross high-five after a big change in possession during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.30 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey (24) of Notre Dame looks to push past her defender during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.31 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Emma Holtzapfel (12) of Notre Dame attempts a free throw to take the lead in overtime during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.32 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Paige Arlinghaus (5) of Holy Cross tries to secure a rebound for her team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.33 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Sarah Young (10) of Notre Dame blocks a last second shot attempt during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.34 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame Academy celebrates their win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.35 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame Academy is moving on in the KHSAA playoffs following the Regional girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.36 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame student section celebrates their team's win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.37 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame players rejoice after time expires in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.38 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
George Stoll of Notre Dame Academy congratulates his players after they secure a win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.39 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Fans of Notre Dame Academy congratulate their players on a hard-fought win during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.40 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Sarah Young of Notre Dame is surrounded by her teammates as she is given the MVP award.41 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Holy Cross cheerleader chants for her team during the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.42 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
George Stoll instructs his team during a timeout as the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final continues Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.43 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
Notre Dame Academy players rejoice with their fellow students after their win in the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.44 / 44Photos from a Holy Cross-NDA Ninth Region girls basketball to remember
George Stoll of Notre Dame Academy is interviewed following the KHSAA Ninth Region girls basketball final Friday, March 6, 2026, at Northern Kentucky University.Editor's note: Check back as The Enquirer will update this story with a gallery of photos and Notre Dame's opponent in Saturday's game.
LEXINGTON, KY – With one minute, 27 seconds left in the first quarter and Notre Dame leading Pikeville 10-7, senior Emma Holtzapfel made the first of her five first-half 3-pointers. Twenty seconds later, she connected again.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn the next possession, junior Sarah Young drained the third of her four first-half triples to bookend the Pandas' 13-0 run in the span of two minutes.
"I don't usually score that many threes. I maybe get one or two a game, but they were letting me shoot it early. Once I hit a few, I just kept shooting them," Young said.
That stretch, combined with an 8-0 run to end the half, defined Notre Dame's 77-38 win over Pikeville in the first round of the Clark's Pump-N-Shop Girls Sweet 16 on Wednesday, March 11.
The Pandas couldn't miss from downtown, breaking Mercer County's single-game state tournament record with 17 three-pointers on a Kylee Wagner corner triple with 3:48 left in the game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"One of our coaches found out during the game that we were close, but I didn't do anything special. We were just playing basketball. We did a good job in transition finding shooters, ran a couple looks out of our offense that got us looks, too, and they were just hitting," head coach George Stoll said.
3 keys to Notre Dame's first round win
3-point shooting: In the words of the "NBA Jam" announcer, the Pandas were on fire in the first half. Young and Holtzapfel knocked down nine of their 10 triples as they shot 67 percent from deep in the first 16 minutes.
While the nets were still intact at the final horn, Notre Dame shot 65 percent from deep. Five players contributed to the record: Holtzapfel, Young, Stallard, Joslyn LaBordeaux-Humphrey and Kylee Wagner.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Everyone can shoot the three on our team. If you stop one of us, another one's gonna step up and start hitting," junior Amelia Stallard said.
Pikeville head coach Denise Campbell added "We tried to mix (our defense) up a little bit with man-to-man and even a three-two zone that has worked really like a matchup for us, but contested or uncontested, we knew that (Holtzapfel) could shoot the ball very well... The effort was there. They couldn't miss."
Physicality: At the first media timeout, the first thing Stoll said was that he wanted Pikeville to feel the Pandas' presence after the Lady Panthers went on a 7-0 run to take their first lead of the game.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNotre Dame responded by forcing eight turnovers, outrebounding the Lady Panthers 14-11 and allowing Pikeville to shoot just 30 percent from the field in the first half.
"It was maybe a little bit of nerves and feeling them out at the beginning. We just weren't aggressive as we needed to be," Stoll said.
Stoll was especially proud of Wagner's effort and energy. Subbing in for the first time at the 2:31 mark of the first quarter, she contributed two assists and two steals in six first-half minutes.
Team defense: Let's look at a few stats.
Over the course of the game, Notre Dame held Pikeville to 30.6 percent shooting from the field and allowed just 10 3-point attempts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKylie Alvin, the Lady Panthers' leading scorer, finished with a game-high 21 points, but none of her teammates had more than 6 points. The point guard also committed four of Pikeville's 11 turnovers.
"She can play. She does a good job of getting into the lane and when she attacks, her angles are really good," Stoll said. "We knew that the key was to take her out and that's when we could make somebody else beat us."
With a 57-30 lead at the end of the third quarter, Stoll gave his team the goal of holding Pikeville under 40 points. He transferred the responsibility to some of his junior varsity players, subbing in Kelsey Crisler and Annie and Serrie Lawrie with just over two minutes left.
Cadence Compton made the Lady Panthers' final basket of the game at the 54-second mark, giving them 38 points.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat's next for Notre Dame
The Pandas will face either Taylor County or West Jessamine at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, inside Rupp Arena.
They beat West Jessamine, 61-51, on Jan. 19 and have a 3-0 record against the Colts since 2020. Notre Dame has not played Taylor County since at least 1997, according to the KHSAA scoreboard.
"We just want to make sure we stay consistent, especially on the defensive end in the first half. We obviously started off a little rough, so being able to keep our composure and stay focused in those moments is really important," Holtzapfel said.
Notre Dame: Holtzapfel 6 2 19, Stallard 7 0 19, Young 5 2 16, LaBordeaux-Humphrey 3 2 9, Wagner 2 2 8, Middendorf 2 0 4, Mauller 0 2 2. Totals: 25 10 77
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPikeville: Alvin 9 2 21, Walters 2 0 6, Oliver 2 0 4, Compton 1 0 2, Woods 0 2 2, Rogers 1 0 2, Patton 0 1 1. Totals: 15 5 38.
Half: NDA 36-16. 3-pointers: NDA 17 (Holtzapfel 5, Stallard 5, Young 4, Wagner 2, LaBordeaux-Humphrey); P 3 (Walters 2, Alvin)
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Notre Dame Pandas set nets on fire, down Pikeville in KHSAA Sweet 16
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