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PICKERINGTON — In hindsight, Thursday was less about the final score and more about what the trip to Pickerington North High School really symbolized.
It truly marked the end of — unarguably — the most historic era of Notre Dame basketball.
With a 58-23 loss to Hiland in a Division IV regional semifinal, the Titans ended their season at 20-5 after winning SOC I, sectional and district championships.
“There’s a reason Hiland is who they are. They shoot the ball really well, and don’t stop firing for 32 minutes. But it’s more frustrating that we got beat because we gave up a lot of offensive rebounds,” Notre Dame coach J.D. McKenzie said. “All week in practice, our big emphasis was on rebounding the ball and preventing second-chance shots. Ultimately, that didn’t happen and we had too many turnovers.”
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Hiland (25-2) buried nine 3’s in the first half, and once the lead reached double digits early in the second quarter, it was a foregone conclusion that the Titans’ season was over.
That also meant the journey was over for six graduating seniors, including four longtime starters in Ella Kirby, Annabelle Ball, Katie Strickland and Gracie Ashley.
In their four-year careers, they amassed a total record of 87-14 that included four SOC I titles, four sectional championships, two district crowns and an Elite 8 appearance.
“These seniors have watched and played with some great players throughout their four years like Ava Hassel, Claire Detwiller, Annie Detwiller, Taylor Schmidt, alongside a lot of other really good players,” McKenzie said. “They watched how those players carried themselves and the level of work they put in to accomplish what they did. We didn’t have that person who averaged 20 points per night, but we had a group of great leaders who carried on a legacy and showed the next group of players how to fight, never quit and persevere in the end.”
Those four, alongside fellow seniors Lillian Madden and Savanah Holtgrewe, helped extend an already great foundation and raised the bar another notch — one that also includes a 126-game conference winning streak, which is still active today.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group for what they were able to accomplish. We’ve been successful, but that doesn’t happen without having great kids and great support from their families,” McKenzie said. “I remember years ago that I had a sophomore class that I called the cornerstones of the program and they set the foundation for what this program has turned into. And every year since, we’ve raised the bar for what this program is all about. Now it’s on the younger kids to uphold the standard and carry it on to future Titan teams.”
Since McKenzie took over the program in 2009, the Titans have been the class of the SOC I and a mainstay in the Division IV regional picture.
He’s built the program with “family” always in the back of his mind, and followed it up by having his own family be a part of the ride. His wife, Crystal, has been by his side on the bench, his kids have been a part of the program since birth and his mom was their biggest supporter.
McKenzie’s family of four has extended every year to a family of at least 14 with every basketball team, which took on a special meaning this year — quite literally.
“This senior class is incredibly special. I’m great friends with the Strickland family, and I remember holding Katie when she was a baby and to see her grow up, be a part of the program and soon graduate is a full circle type of moment,” McKenzie said. “This is truly a family affair, getting to coach with my wife, watching my kids be a part of the program, seeing my mom after games and getting to make all of these memories has truly been a blessing. I’ve loved watching these kids grow up over the years, turn their dreams into reality and watch them become the great people they are today.”
Over the past 14 years, McKenzie has coached in 345 games. He finished with a 289-56 record — an 83.7 winning percentage — that includes 12 SOC I titles, 10 sectional crowns, five district championships and two Elite 8 appearances.
It’s been a successful road that has brought McKenzie and his family a lot of joy. But that journey is now over as McKenzie is officially stepping down as Notre Dame’s head coach.
His legacy within the halls and gymnasium will forever be talked about and his teams will forever be remembered.
But more than the wins and losses, and his impact on all of his teams, it’s how they’ve impacted him that he’ll forever remember.
“Crystal and I have two kids who have been at these games their whole lives. I remember our first district final back in 2011 at Ohio University. She was nine months pregnant and I thought she was going to go into labor,” McKenzie said. “It’s the memories like that which are way more important than the wins and losses. The relationships you form with these girls are the most valuable thing possible and I couldn’t be more thankful for the incredible ride these last 14 years have been.”
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