Millennium takes down Notre Dame in 5A showdown

February 2, 2024 by Ben Stapley, AZPreps365


Notre Dame’s Anthony Batson Jr. (#22) looks to pass the ball Friday night against Millennium. Photo by Ben Stapley

Millennium hasn't lost to an Arizona opponent all season, yet Friday night's regular season finale against Notre Dame Prep may have been the Tigers' statement game.

The Saints entered the contest atop the 5A power rankings, but the fifth ranked Tigers overwhelmed Notre Dame in a convincing 83-63 victory that showcased Millennium's dazzling talent and capability. 

Six players scored at least nine points for Millennium (19-4), led by 6-6 sophomore Cameron Holmes 21, who opened the game by penetrating the Notre Dame defense for a thundering dunk. While most of Holmes' damage was done inside, he showed his touch with the jump shot, including a three-pointer in the second quarter that helped build Millennium's lead to 16 at one point. 

The Tigers knocked down 10 three-point shots altogether, with senior Sabien Cain (17 points) hitting four, and sophomore Brayden Barret (14 points) connecting for three. Quincy Everson also scored 14 points for Millennium.

"We were expecting a tough game, but we came out with a lot of energy defensively, and eventually our offense caught up kicked in afterwards," Cain said afterward.

"We knew they were a top team in Arizona so we were excited and ready to play."

Millenium, which has finished as the 5A state runner-up in three of the last five seasons, picked up quality wins over 6A contenders Sunnyslope (65-62), and Brophy Prep (75-68) earlier in the season. 

Friday night was a different story. After a close first quarter, Millennium began to pull away in the second quarter before Hayden Stebbins anchored a Notre Dame rally before halftime, closing the gap to four points (35-31).

 

The second half was all Millenium. A Cain three pointer ignited a 14-4 run to start the third quarter, giving the Tigers a 49-35 lead. Kingston Tosi scored all 12 of his points in the second half for Millennium, including a three-point play to close out the third quarter that build the lead to 60-42.

Notre Dame standout Anthony Batson Jr. put on his typical display of skill and athleticism, matching Holmes with 21 points and an early first quarter dunk, but it wasn't enough to keep up with Millennium balanced offensive arsenal.

 

Brennan Peterson scored 16 points for Notre Dame, and Bryce Quinet added 13.

"Millennium probably has the most talented roster we've seen," Batson said afterward,

"I felt like we did a good job early on, but they hit some timely shots and things got a little out of hand, but we'll be ready next time."

Notre Dame coach Luke DallaRiva picked up two technical fouls, resulting in his second half ejection.

Notre Dame finished the regular season 21-4.