Notre Dame-West Haven Cruises To Second State Title

UNCASVILLE, CT — Fans in a nearly packed Mohegan Sun Arena were there to see future Division I college star Abdouramane Toure of Notre Dame-West Haven.

And they didn't leave disappointed.

With silky smooth efficiency, Toure scored 27 points and the Green Knights soundly defeated the St. Bernard Saints (Montville) 68-55 to win the CIAC Division I boys basketball championship.

With 17 scholarship offers (including the University of Connecticut), Toure seemingly toyed with the Saints.

But Notre Dame coach Jason Shea said while Toure is the star, the rest of the group is a big reason why they're champions.

"These guys spend a lot of time together. They really love each other, " Shea said after celebrating the title. "They're completely unselfish. They're really a special group."

Going into Saturday night's title game rematch from 2024, The Notre Dame-West Haven Green Knights were seeking their second state title in a row and their second ever.

Meanwhile, St. Bernard — led by coach Mark Jones — was looking to win the program's fourth championship and first since 2023.

The second-seed Green Knights, coached by Jason Shea, were 21-2, including the tourney, going into Saturday, while the fifth-seed Saints were 19-3.

Both teams battled early nerves in an electric atmosphere inside a near-packed Mohegan Sun Arena, and, though the pace was frenetic, the scoring was light.

The opening quarter ended with Notre Dame up 9-7.

Notre Dame poured it on in the second quarter, however, opening up an 18-9 lead after a pair of three pointers and an old-fashioned three-point play.

With Toure leading the way, the Green Knights threatened to blow out the Saints.

But that didn't happen as tenacious defense and clutch shooting drew St. Bernard back in the game and they eventually cut it to 22-20.

When the half ended, Notre Dame and Toure's 13 points had the Green Knights on top, 27-22, but the Saints were hanging around and still in the game.

The Green Knights started the second half hot, opening up a double-digit lead quickly, but the Saints didn't quit and they quickly cut it back to single digits — cutting the lead to 33-27.

Led by Toure and company, Notre Dame extended the lead to double digits again, but after a couple of Saint free throws, they led St. Bernard by nine, 45-36, after three quarters,

With Notre Dame pulling away, St. Bernard's Tyler Mangual drew a technical foul after a scuffle with Toure.

Toure hit one free throw and put the Green Knights up 50-36 with 7 minutes to go, essentially ending any hopes of a comeback.

From there, the Golden Knights' second state title was as inevitable as the downward countdown of the clock.

And when the final horn sounded, Toure's Green Knights ended a late night at the casino as champs.

For game statistics from the CIAC, click on this link.

From March 17, 2024: 'History Made As Notre Dame-West Haven Boys Win First Hoops Title'