UPDATE: The Utica Notre Dame girls basketball team is making headlines with an impressive 11-0 record after a dominant 55-15 victory over Oneida on January 7, 2026. This marks their best start since the 2017-18 season, as they aim to build on their recent success following last year’s New York State championship run.
The Jugglers showcased their formidable defense, holding Oneida to a mere 15 points in a game that highlighted their strategic gameplay. “It was a solid performance,” said coach John Snyder. “We played some good defense tonight and kept Oneida to a low possession game.”
Leading the charge was Ella Trinkaus, who scored 18 points, while teammate Lily Johnson contributed 15 points to seal the victory. The Jugglers have not only demonstrated skill but also resilience, bouncing back from an early exit in last season’s state tournament.
The team’s strong start can be attributed to the growth of key players, including sophomores Caitlin Williams and Jules Otis, who have developed into key defensive assets. “They’ve been exceptional in growing as players,” Snyder noted, highlighting their ability to defend the opposing team’s ball handlers effectively.
Additionally, the Jugglers gained significant confidence from their recent success at a holiday tournament in Orlando, Florida, where they swept their competition against high-level teams. “It’s been exciting for us,” Snyder remarked. “We played some high-level teams in Florida.”
Looking ahead, Notre Dame faces a critical matchup against Rome Free Academy on January 9 at 5 p.m.. This will be followed by the highly anticipated annual Juggler Classic during the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, where they are expected to face tough challengers.
As Snyder emphasized, “We have a big target on our back, but it’s important for us to stay focused and keep that positive mindset.” With momentum on their side, the Jugglers are poised for an exciting season as they aim to continue their winning streak.
Meanwhile, Oneida, now 5-4, will host Vernon Verona Sherrill on January 7 at 6:30 p.m. as they look to rebound from their recent loss.
Stay tuned as Utica Notre Dame continues to strive for excellence in the 2025-26 season, bringing thrilling basketball to fans and the community.
