Cody Leist

PDT Sports Writer

Jen Arnzen wanted to make sure she would not go scoreless from the field on back-to-back games to open up her senior season.

A game removed from scoring all 16 of her points from the free throw line, Arnzen was 12-of-17 from the field for a career-high 30 points as the host Notre Dame Titans won their first game in their newly-renovated gymnasium with a 62-28 SOC I win over East.

“We were trying something new tonight and we liked what we saw with it,” Notre Dame coach J.D. McKenzie said. “We moved pretty well and Jen shown why she’s the defending (SOC I) Player of the Year. She had a big night.”

Arnzen started on the right foot as she took four of the team’s first five shots in the contest, accumulating seven of her 11 first half points in the process for a 23-4 first quarter lead.

“Jen had a great game and that up-and-under move she made was just outstanding,” Tartans coach Jack Branon said. “She stepped out on the floor and hit the threes. She’s a great kid, a great player and she was just on tonight.”

While Arnzen dominated in the half court, teammate Madi Phillips made her imprint in transition. The junior guard swiped three East passes in the first half and led her team into the locker room with 12 first half points as the Titans went into the intermission with a 37-12 advantage.

“Madi has really improved in the three years that we’ve had her,” McKenzie said. “She’s got an offensive mindset now. When we’re getting out and running, man she’s tough to handle and that suits her.”

With 19 turnovers against his team at the half, Branon knew the pressure his team faced was pretty intense but witnessed some positives.

“I thought we shown some improvement in some areas from the Symmes Valley game but we’ve still got a long way to go,” Branon said. “We played two of the toughest teams in the conference, Symmes Valley could win this conference if somebody lets up.”

The third quarter may have been Arnzen’s finest as she scored 19 points in her final quarter of play, shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the floor. She also ended a pair of rebounds shy of a double-double.

The Tartans were led by Jessie Monroe and Tiffany Craft with eight points each. Branon was glad to see Craft score after she was shut out in the opener.

“She just needed to break through that lid on top of the basket,” Branon said. “She can still shoot better than she did.”

Each team returns to league action Monday as Notre Dame travels to New Boston and East welcomes Western. The Titan boys team will have a dedication ceremony for the gym improvements Friday night when they welcome Whiteoak.

Cody Leist can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 294, or cleist@heartlandpublications.com.

East — Craft 4-0-8, Russell 1-0-2, Monroe 3-1-8, Meadows 1-0-2, Newell 1-0-2, Meade 3-0-6, Totals 13-1-28.

Notre Dame — Ramey 1-2-5, Welsh 0-1-1, Phillips 6-1-13. Pierron 3-0-7, Marting 1-0-2, Grooms 1-0-2, Arnzen 12-2-30, Sammons 1-0-2, Totals 25-6-62.

3-Point Goals — East 1 (Monroe); Notre Dame 6 (Arnzen 4, Ramey, Pierron).

Records — East 0-2 (0-2); Notre Dame 2-0 (2-0).