ATTLEBORO, Mass. — For rising MIAA girls programs hoping to join the elite tier, Bishop Feehan represents a measuring stick.
The perennial Division 1 contenders received their next test Wednesday against then-unbeaten Needham. And though the sixth-ranked Rockets proved they could hang, the seventh-ranked Shamrocks got the better in a 53-41 battle at home.
"It's awesome. The kids are amped for (these games)," said Bishop Feehan coach Amy Dolores. "Over the last couple of years, it's been the normal for us, so it's really cool to see teenagers respond to that pressure over and over again. It's fun, and we love playing great teams. Needham certainly was a great team."
Bishop Feehan (7-2) laid its foundation early with a 17-6 opening run catalyzed by its typical transition-oriented success. Though Needham (9-1) caught up to speed, the Rockets never closed the gap to fewer than seven points. The Shamrocks' dictation of tempo and sound team defense held Needham to its lowest point total of the season.
"I really do enjoy defense, and I enjoy when my teammates enjoy defense too, because I feel like we bring a lot of defensive intensity, and that really helps motivate and push our offense," senior Mollie Mullen said.
Here are five standouts from the matchup.
