MUNDELEIN — To understand everything Carmel’s Kathleen Felicelli brings to the basketball court, just take a look at the start of the Corsairs’ game against St. Viator Saturday.
Felicelli hit two free throws, stole the next possession and drove for a layup, recorded a rebound and then an assist. All this took place in the first 1:12 of the game.
“Kathleen can really take over a game,” Carmel coach Kelly Perz said of Felicelli, a three-year varsity player. “A super athlete and a very hard worker.”
Felicelli, a 5-foot-6 senior, finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven steals. Her performance impressed the opposition.
“I’ve played against her since grade school,” Lions senior star Erin Fabbri said. “She’s a very strong player. She can drive or pull up and take a jumper from anywhere on the court.”
“I worked a lot over the summer on my shooting,” said Felicelli, who was 7-for-11 in the 54-51 loss to St. Viator. “And every Sunday I practice my shot.”
Felicelli’s contributions aren’t all on the offensive end of the court.
“She’s in the middle of the press and she’s very good at anticipating [the pass],” Perz said. “She’s a smart basketball player, who keeps getting better every game.”
“I watch to see the [opposing] girls’ eyes,” Felicelli said of her press responsibilities. “She doesn’t know that. But then I know where the ball is going.”
Felicelli also has plenty to contribute off the court.
“Kathleen never gets down,” Corsairs forward Leah Lach said. “She brings the whole team up. Always makes it a fun atmosphere.”
Felicelli has had a great deal of success in Carmel athletics. She has been a four-year member of the Corsairs’ varsity tennis team, and went to the state meet in doubles this past season. In the spring, you’ll find Felicelli smoothly manning the shortstop position, as a four-year varsity softball player.
“I have good range and a good glove,” Felicelli said matter-of-factly.
As for her favorite sport season?
“It’s mostly basketball and softball,” Felicelli said. “I really like the fast pace of basketball and the bonding you get from both those sports.”
