Notre Dame senior shooting guard Cal Price made the most of his opportunity to play the game he loves.
On Thursday night Price scored a team-high 16 points as he made a trio of 3-pointers, connected on all five free-throw attempts and supplied standout defense in a 54-45 home victory over Cleveland.
"I am so glad we are out here," Price said. "I wanted some revenge because Cleveland beat us earlier this year. We really had some fun because this might be the last time. You never know right now. We just have to play our hardest every game."
The Irish were also led by 6-foot-3 junior Tim Vaughn who started strong with an offensive putback and smooth left baseline jumper. Vaughn finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists while only missing once from the field.
"It's not all about how many points you score," said Vaughn who late in the game threw a length-of-the-court pass to Ty Wilkerson for a layup. "Basketball is a team game, not an individual one. Every time I am on the floor I do my best to help everybody score."
Notre Dame improved to 7-2 overall as Jonathan Adams' group made 15-of-18 free throws, which included five from DJ Brown who had eight points along with Cole McCormick.
Price had strong praise for Vaughn after the game as the senior leader described Vaughn as the future "district Player of the Year."
Senior shooting guard Kley McGowan had a stellar showing for Cleveland (2-4). The 6-foot-3 sharpshooter led all scorers with 18 points and hit four 3-pointers. McGowan - whose season-high is 27 points - also supplied energy, drawing two second half charges and assisted Tate O'Bryan on a strong contested layup, then hit his free throw to cut the Blue Raider deficit to 39-37 with six minutes left.
While senior guard Grant Hurst (13 points) hit his second and third 3-pointers, Notre Dame was able to close out a strong victory in which Price and Vaughn, along with strong free throw shooting and defense led the way.
"We came in focused on playing tough defense and getting after it on that end," Vaughn said. "We did that tonight and it showed. Every time we come out here we have to play with tenacity and be strong on both ends, physically and mentally."
GIRLS' BASKETBALL
Silverdale Baptist 78, Chattanooga Patriots 40: The Lady Seahawks improved to 8-6 overall as senior Becca Lamb dominated with 22 points and hit all five free throw attempts. Lamb scored 11 points in the first quarter while her teammate Ryleigh Hoover continued her stellar form from behind the 3-point arc, hitting six treys and scoring 20 points for Silverdale. Morgan Sliger led the Lady Patriots with 21 points.
Marion County 46, Notre Dame 34: Marion's Lorence Bradford scored a game-high 26 points while Sara Muir added 13 in Thursday's road victory. Notre Dame received stellar performances from Miriah Gaines (23 points) and Kenzie Campbell (20 points). The Lady Warriors improved to 6-2 overall with the victory.