For years, Pontiac Notre Dame Preparatory’s Michigan High School Athletic Association girls basketball playoff run has ended at the hands of 13-time state champion and two-time defending Class B champion Detroit Country Day.

   It was only two weeks ago that Yellowjackets handed the Irish a 33-point regular-season loss. A year ago, Country Day downed Notre Dame Prep 47-25 in a regional final. Two years ago, the Yellowjackets pounded the Irish 72-38 in the district opener. Country Day stopped Notre Dame Prep 77-39 in 2016 to open the playoffs. The same story year after year. The Irish had never beaten the Yellowjackets in a playoff game.

   Friday night that all changed.

   Notre Dame Prep ended Country Day’s championship run with a stunning 71-59 victory at Notre Dame on March 8 to earn the MHSAA Division 2, District 61 title.

   The game was tied 21-21 after the first quarter as Notre Dame Prep senior Sarah Stuart outscored Country Day's leading scorer, Minnesota-commit Jasime Powell, 13-11.

     Sophomore Elena Schwegman took charge in the second quarter scoring eight points as the Irish opened a 34-29 lead at halftime.

   The Irish expanded the lead to 52-41 after three quarters as Stuart scored eight and Schwegman added five.

   Notre Dame Prep played with strength and pose as they fought off every Country Day rally attempt in the fourth as junior Malorie Wilson scored six of her 13 points in the quarter. Senior Bridget Hauck added five of her seven points in the quarter.

   Stuart was masterful in controlling the Irish offense and finished with 24 points. Schwegman ended with 15 points on the night.

   Country Day finishes their season at 12-9. Powell scored 29 in her final game for the Yellowjackets.

   Notre Dame Prep beat Clawson 59-40 in their district opener and topped Wixom St. Catherine of Siena 47-43 in the district semifinal.

   Notre Dame Prep (11-12) takes a four-game winning streak into the regional semifinals against Croswell-Lexington (19-2) on Monday, March 11, at Country Day.