Late run by Morris Catholic results in back-to-back losses for Archbishop Mitty girls basketball team at Hoophall Classic

Archbishop Mitty already knocked off one unbeaten nationally ranked girls basketball program this season when it prevailed Dec. 21 against Ontario Christian in the final of the Vincent Cannizzaro Division at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona.

Despite the recent loss of junior standout McKenna Woliczko to a right ACL injury, the Monarchs were in position Saturday to hand Morris Catholic from New Jersey its first loss at the Army National Guard Hoophall Classic presented by Spalding.

But Archbishop Mitty was unable to protect a five-point lead with six minutes remaining, as Morris Catholic scored 10 unanswered points to grab the momentum, before holding on for a 60-57 victory at Blake Arena in Springfield, Mass.

Senior twin sisters Mia Pauldo and Mya Pauldo, both Tennessee commits, combined for 33 points and nine assists for Morris Catholic (12-0).

Mia Pauldo had seven assists for the Crusaders, who rallied from a 54-49 deficit to extend its winning streak to 16 in a row, including last season.

Abigail James, who led the Monarchs (12-3) with 18 points and 14 rebounds to earn recognition as the team’s most outstanding player, helped Archbishop Mitty overcome a seven-point halftime deficit and grab a 45-42 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Abigail James of Archbishop Mitty | Photo courtesy of Archbishop Mitty

Maliya Hunter, a freshman, added 16 points, six rebounds and three steals for Archbishop Mitty, which missed seven consecutive shots during a four-minute stretch in the fourth.

Daniella Matus, who contributed 16 points, and Mya Pauldo both made 3-point field goals during the 10-0 run for the Crusaders, who led by five with 1:54 left.

James scored to cut the deficit to 59-56 with 1:33 remaining and Tiera McCarthy added a free throw 45 seconds later to trim the Morris Catholic lead to a two-point advantage.

McCarthy, who produced nine points, seven rebounds and seven assists, missed a potential tying 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining for the Monarchs, and Mya Pauldo was able to make a clutch free throw to preserve the Crusaders’ victory.

Ze’Ni Patterson added seven points and seven rebounds for Archbishop Mitty, which lost back-to-back games for the first time since enduring consecutive setbacks against La Jolla Country Day and Riverdale Baptist of Maryland at the 2019 Nike Tournament of Champions.