Utica Notre Dame girls basketball gets off to first hot start in nearly a decade (54 photos)

Utica Notre Dame girls basketball is building something special in its 2025-26 campaign.

The Bowlers are not far from their New York state championship in 2024. After an early exit from the state tournament last season, Notre Dame is poised to embark on another adventure this year with a stifling defense.

That strong defensive presence was on display in the Jugglers’ 55-15 win over Oneida on Wednesday.

“It was a solid performance,” Notre Dame coach John Snyder said. “We played good defense tonight and kept Oneida a low possession game.

The Jugglers, now 11-0 on the season, are off to their best start since then 2017-18 season. The team compiled a 12-0 record this campaign.

“It’s been a good season so far,” Snyder said. “We played pretty well.

Twin sister duo Erin and Ella Trinkaus speaks for itself, but Snyder said several factors contributed to the Jugglers’ hot start.

Sophomore Development Lily Johnson, Caitlin Williams and Jules Otis from their freshman campaigns gave Notre Dame a strong defensive core.

“They’ve been exceptional in growing as players,” Snyder said. “They also defended the other team’s ball handlers well.

Another factor is Notre Dame’s impressive showing at the holiday tournament in Orlando, Fla., which hit the competition and gave the team a lot of confidence.

“It was exciting for us,” Snyder said. “We played some high-level teams in Florida.

Ella Trinkaus led the way with 18 points in Wednesday’s contest. Johnson scored 15 points.

For Express, Samantha Szarek scored nine points.

Notre Dame faces Rome Free Academy on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The competition will be followed by the annual Juggling Classic during Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend.

“We have a big target on our backs, but it’s important for us to stay focused and keep a positive mindset,” Snyder said. “We’ve got a good amount of energy, so I think that’s going to continue. We’re going to have a big challenge (at the Juggler Classic). We’re facing some good teams.”

Oneida (5-4) hosts Vernon Verona Sherrill on Friday at 6:30 p.m.