Neshaminy traveled to Brooklyn, N.Y., and defeated Xaverian Catholic in a game that featured some family ties. (Photos provided by Neshaminy basketball)
NESHAMINY 55, XAVERIAN CATHOIC 44
It was a whole new world when the Redskins travelled to Brooklyn, N.Y., for a non-league contest that had significant family ties – Neshaminy junior Brooke Mullin and Xaverian Catholic sophomore Caitlin Mullin are cousins, and Saturday’s game represented the first time the two did battle on the court.
“We hadn’t really talked about it,” said Mullin. “My dad (assistant coach John Mullin) kind of threw it together over the summer.
“It was a great experience to get out of state and play a good competitive team like that. It was great to see my family, and it was fun to play with my cousin.”
The two cousins will have plenty of time to rehash the game on Sunday when they celebrate Christmas together.
“I think there’s a chance their team might come down next year,” Mullin said.
In addition to affording the cousins a chance to play against each other, the game also gave the Redskins an opportunity to play a different brand of basketball.
“It was a very good experience – a different environment, a different set of rules,” coach Joe Lally said. “They have a 30-second shot clock, and they played women’s college rules – every quarter from the fifth foul is two shots, not one-and-one, so every quarter when you commit your fifth foul, you’re shooting two right away.
“They play NCAA rules, and in the last minute of the game, the clock stops on made baskets until you inbound it. Obviously, having a shot clock and not having a one-and-one and shooting two after five fouls – all that played into it.”
The Redskins fell behind 11-3 early but – behind eight points from Allison Harvey – pulled to within four by the end of the quarter (15-11). By halftime, they led 25-24 with Mullin scoring seven points in the second quarter to lead the way.
“We didn’t have much film,” Lally said. “We just knew their coach played at St. John’s, and they were coached very well. Pretty much we went in there and had to make adjustments on the fly. I’m proud of our girls. We got off to a slow start.
“We got our feet underneath us and were able to make some shots, make some plays and settle in on defense.”
After allowing 15 points in the opening quarter, the Redskins allowed just 29 over the final three. Neshaminy still led by just one heading into the final quarter 38-37, but the outscored their hosts 17-7 in the final quarter to seal the win. Emily Tantala and Olivia Scotti both scored five points in the frame.
“This is a nice win,” Lally said. “They’re 4-2, but their two losses were against powerhouse teams in their area.”
Three Redskins finished the game in double figures. Harvey led the way with 14 points, which included three 3-pointers. Mullin added 13, and Tanatala had 11.
Lally lauded the contributions of Tantala, Meghan Ansel and Taylor Kelly off the bench in the up-tempo contest.
“I thought our bench players all played great,” the Redskins’ coach said. “(Xaverian) plays hard and they play fast, and it’s a different environment with that shot clock, but I love it. I enjoyed the shot clock. I think it’s plenty of time, and I thought it showcased the girls’ ability much more because they were forced to make basketball plays instead of holding the ball. I think it really makes the girls’ game much more exciting and showcases their talent.”
The afternoon ended with the two teams sharing Brooklyn pizzas in the school cafeteria.
“It was a nice day,” Lally said.
Neshaminy will face Camden Catholic in an opening round game of the Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood, N.J., on Thursday.
Neshaminy 11-4-13-17 55
Xaverian Catholic 15-9-13-7 44
Neshaminy (55) – Brooke Mullin 13, Allison Harvey 14, Kristin Curley 6, Olivia Scotti 7, Kelli Kowalick 4, Emily Tantala 11.
Xaverian Catholic (44) – Calie O’Brien 15, Julia Faboni 8, Selma Markisic 9, Jenna Teteryez 8, Nicolette Guide 2, Amaya Lewis 2.
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