PSA pg 7 11-18-21
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Molly Moffitt likes to get out of her comfort zone.
It’s what led her to travel overseas this summer and tryout for Ireland’s U20 team, kind of spur of the moment.
And it’s what led her to Putnam Science Academy, where the Seattle native kicked off her postgrad season with the girls’ Prep Black basketball team Saturday by scoring 19 points and pulling down eight rebounds in a 97-78 win over Bradford Christian Academy.
“I’ve always liked being in different areas and traveling,” said the 6-foot, 1-inch wing/forward. “That’s one of the things I love about basketball because it has allowed me to explore the country and beyond. It was a push out of my comfort zone for sure. I was house-hopping every two weeks. Every day was different, which is what I love. And that’s part of the reason why I came to Putnam too. It was far from home and a new experience and totally outside what I was familiar with.”
The Mustangs are glad to have her, as her all-around game was on display. She knocked down 3-pointers; she hit midrange jumpers; she scored in the paint; and she rebounded and pushed the ball, either for a coast-to-coast score or to find an open teammate.
“I’m lucky because our guards trust me to bring the ball up, so when I do get the rebound, I’m looking to push. I feel like when I’m really locked in, I can attack well and dish well. Hopefully we saw some of that (Saturday).”
That she is even in Putnam is a bit of a wild story. It started with her not really knowing what she wanted to do with the athletics piece in college. Lacrosse was an option. So too was trying to walk-on to some basketball teams at places like Indiana and Clemson. Focusing solely on academics was also a real consideration. Moffitt was admitted to the University of Washington’s nursing program, which is an ultra-competitive placement, not to mention the alma mater of both of her parents.
But deep down, she wanted to keep playing basketball. So Moffitt, who is an Irish citizen by descent because her grandmother was born in Ireland, reached out to the national U20 coach on Twitter with a couple of highlights and game film in the ultimate “throw-it-against-the-wall-and-see-if-it-sticks.” Within days of graduating from Seattle Prep, Moffitt was on a plane to Ireland.
“It was kind of like if it were to work out, it would be my last hurrah and maybe I’d be done with basketball after playing with them,” she said. “I ended up making the team, which was super cool. Just an amazing experience. I really think that everyone who I met and everyone who I came across was God-sent. I have never met more caring and kind people. It was just an experience of a lifetime.
“I spent two months there by myself. I met so many new people, people from Spain, Serbia, Israel, Hungary. When we went to a tournament on our last night, the entire Spanish team wanted to hang out with the Irish team and they brought some Hungarians with them. I was the only American there. It was so random and so super fun.”
Depending on what happens with college after her time at PSA, Moffitt is planning to go back and play again this summer. But for now, the focus is on helping PSA win its first national championship.
“I’ve never really been in a place where everyone wants the same thing,” she said. “In high school some girls were playing just to play, or it was their second sport, or something like that. Everyone here really wants to get better and win has a goal of playing college basketball. It’s really exciting.”
Girls' basketball
PSA Prep Red 64, Hoosac 52
HOOSIC, NY - Zuza Komor hit six 3-pointers on her way to 22 points, and she also added five rebounds and three assists as PSA overcame a slow start to pick up its second win of the season. Zoe Bayer had 21 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists, while Anna Kitch finished with seven points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists, and Alice Meunier chipped in with nine points and seven boards for the Mustangs (2-0), who at one point trailed 23-4 before mounting their comeback.
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy