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.
Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan
Hometown: Dighton, Mass.
NCAA: StonehillÂ
This was a quintessential Mullen game that included 14 points and six assists. She didn't dominate the ball but stepped up to make big shots when called upon. That included a contested hook shot in the last seconds of the first quarter, a soft-touch runner driving left in the fourth and a dagger 3-pointer off the catch. Mullen kept the ball moving and found her teammates in transition and again, her instincts intercepting passes make her one of the best defenders in the MIAA.
"I kind of just read the passing lanes," Mullen said. "I don't really think about it too much. I kind of try to look at where they're looking. — maybe if they're looking one way, they're gonna try to fake and pass the other way.
"But I really don't know. I just kind of jump everywhere," she added with a laugh.
Avery Teixeira, Bishop Feehan
Hometown: Raynham, Mass.
Wednesday's Bishop Feehan breakout player of the day was Teixeira, who outworked everyone en route to a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double. Her effort on the glass was eye-popping especially at her size. Teixeira wasn't afraid to fly in against larger opponents for rebounds or dive for a loose ball. She also cut well, and attacked a closeout for a nice baseline jumper and had a big and-1 layup in the final minutes.
"She's been in our program for three years," Dolores said. "Last year she was a swing player, and now, watching what she's able to do athletically combined with some of the poise and maturity she's gained over the years — it's been really fun for everybody to kind of get some of the Avery experience."
Addie Frenette, Bishop Feehan
Hometown: Mansfield, Mass.
Frenette continues to thrive getting to the basket in different ways (though she did also knock down a corner 3). She scored twice on a couple of fun two-player actions with assists from Shannon LaMorticelli. She ran the floor hard and finished off transition layups, and she was active on the offensive boards. Frenette can really turn the corner well on her drives and is strong enough to power past defenders to reach the rim. She ended up with 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Eva Andrews, Needham
Class of 2026, 6-2 center
NCAA: Bowdoin
With 11 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks, Andrews showed up as a standout interior player even while facing the bulk of the defense's gameplanning. She is a game-altering defensive anchor and routinely rotated over in the paint for monster blocks on Bishop Feehan drives. Andrews is pretty quick for her size, which helps her move around in the paint and step up against mid-range shots. She scored nine of her points in the second half and Needham seemed to make a clear effort to get her the ball in the paint. Andrews faced double-teams and extra help, and she still found room to make an impact.
Hannah Levine, Needham
Class of 2026, 5-8 guard
NCAA: WPI
Levine paced the rockets with 14 points highlighted by four made 3s. She's extremely consistent with her form off the catch and her buckets all looked pure. It was difficult for Needham to drive and kick against Bishop Feehan's quick perimeter defenders, but Levine still moved well without the ball to find her shots. She also made a nice off-balance floater and drew a charge.
