Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

A bad start was all it took.

The St. Joseph Flyers dug themselves a huge hole in the first quarter and never recovered as they lost 72-45 to the Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans on Tuesday.

The Flyers (6-14) fell behind 23-4 in the first quarter and trailed 44-18 at the half.

The deficit was extended to 58-29 after three quarters. The Flyers finally generated some offense in the fourth quarter as they outscored the Titans 17-14.

Justin Mahlmeister scored a game-high 24 points including six 3-pointers in his final St. Joseph home game. Fellow senior Eli Lewis scored 11 points.

J.P. Kayser scored 20 points for the Titans (17-3). Kevin Lewis scored 11 points and Michael Mader ahd 10.

The Titans connected on nine 3-pointers.

The Flyers play a Greenup County, Ky., on Friday.

Notre Dame 23 21 14 14 = 72

St. Joseph 4 14 11 17 = 45

PORTSMOUTH NOTRE DAME (17-3): Chris Lewis 1 3 0 11, D Smith 1 0 0 2, Ja Kayser 3 0 0 6, Haney 0 1 2 5, Milani 2 0 0 4, Michael Mader 4 0 2 10, C Smith 1 1 0 5, Coriell 1 0 0 2, Ogg 2 0 0 4. Totals: 19 9 7 72.

ST. JOSEPH (6-14): Hunter Pemberton 1 0 0 2, Grant Geswein 1 0 0 2, Chris Lewis 2 0 0 4, Troy Scott 0 0 1 1, Eli Lewis 4 0 4 11, Justin Mahlmeister 2 6 2 24, Lane Johnson 1 0 0 2. Totals: 11 6 6 45.