Tigers clinch share of South

BURLINGTON - The New London boys basketball team needed just one more win to grab a share of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division title on Friday night, and they did so with a statement win at Notre Dame.

Sophomore standout Blaise Porter torched the Nikes for 39 points as New London knocked off Notre Dame 72-63 to stay one game up in the division with just one game left to play.

The Tigers entered Friday night with a 12-2 South Division record with West Burlington (11-3) and Notre Dame (8-4) still clinging on to hope. New London's win knocked Notre Dame out of title contention.

New London was red-hot from the field all night, and they didn't waste time grabbing a lead. The Tigers held a 17-10 advantage after the first quarter and led 39-32 at the halftime break.

The Tigers scored a game-high 24 points in the third quarter to bring their lead to double digits. New London led 63-48 heading into the final period.

Notre Dame outscored New London 15-9 in the final eight minutes, but it was too little, too late for the Nikes' chances at stealing the game, or sharing the South Division crown.

Porter went 13-for-38 from the field, 4-for-6 from 3-point land and 9-for-11 at the line to collect his 39 points. He also led the team with four assists.

Kade Benjamin finished the night with 14 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots. Devin Swanson added 12 points. Camden Kasel had three. Toren Riley and Bowen Glaha scored two points apiece, and Caydin Wahls had a team-leading three steals.

The Tigers are now 14-4 overall and 13-2 in conference play. They will host Holy Trinity Catholic (10-9, 8-7) on Tuesday night. With a win, the Tigers will finish all alone atop the South standings.