Moniteau’s Kelly reaches 1,000 career points
CHERRY TWP — Catherine Kelly did not simply get her feet wet as a freshman on Moniteau’s girls basketball team three years ago. She became a vital contributor in the Warriors’ run to the District 9 title game.
Her skills have progressed ever since and she recently joined very elite company in the program’s history.
In a win over Greenville earlier this month, Kelly became the ninth Moniteau girl to reach 1,000 career points.
“It meant a lot to me to reach that milestone,” she said. “I put a lot of work into my game and it feels really good to see it pay off like that.”
Kelly posted 11.4 points per game her freshman year.
“Her poise on the court is what really stood out for me that season,” said Moniteau coach Dee Arblaster. “She’s really improved in driving to the basket since then and has become really strong in finishing.”
Kelly knew three years ago that she had laid a very strong foundation for her varsity career.
“Getting to a thousand points was always a goal of mine, especially after all the playing time I got as a freshman,” she said. “The seniors that year (Zoey Hillwig, Aslyn Pry and Abby Rottman) took me in and I believe what they taught me helped make me a better player.
“I’ve learned to guard players at different positions, one through four.”
Kelly’s point production increased to 13.3 as a sophomore and 15 per game last year. She’s averaging well over 20 points per game through five contests this season for Moniteau (4-1), but she’s always been about more than just scoring. In her three previous seasons, Kelly has averaged no less than 4.7 rebounds per game and displayed a knack for dishing out assists even as a freshman.
Already committed to playing at the next level at Thiel College, Kelly is hoping to help make this season one to remember for the Warriors. She’s been part of teams that have lost in the District 9 championship game twice and in the semifinal round once.
Getting over the hump this season will be an even stiffer test with senior forward Davina Pry lost for the year with a knee injury.
“I keep telling myself that it’s still possible to win a district title,” said Kelly. “It’s going to be harder now, but the team has adjusted well to our new roles.”
Reaching 1,000 points for Moniteau prior to Kelly were Arblaster, Autumn Kramer, Michelle Yeager, Lil Baptiste, Kristina DeMatteis, Alyssa Deal, Alazia Greaves and Aslyn Pry.
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