Peterson excels for Catholic University
Written by Tony Pinciaro 
Originally published in The Journal News on January 10, 2008

After watching Brianna Peterson play one game last year, Catholic University women's basketball coach Margaret Carey was convinced the North Rockland player stood apart from others.

"She is unique in that I haven't seen anyone shoot the ball as purely as she does," Carey said.

Carey was persistent, going hard after Peterson, a 2007 Rockland Journal News first-team all-star. Peterson made her decision in mid-July to attend Catholic, located in Washington, D.C., and her choice has benefited both.

The 6-foot small forward earned a starting spot in preseason and is averaging a team-leading 13.1 points per game, despite playing with a pulled hamstring and, recently, a broken foot. Peterson is one of seven Section 1 girls, including five from Rockland, on the team.

Peterson scored a game-high 24 points in a victory over Goucher, and had 12 points in 14 minutes in a win over Villa Julie.

"It's been a rocky start," Peterson said while home for Christmas. "I haven't been able to do anything I can do and play the way I want to play."

Peterson knew nothing about Catholic (5-5), but she realized quickly that Carey would not take no for answer.

"Coach recruited me hard and she really showed she cared when she came to every one of my games at an AAU tournament, even the one at 8 in the morning," Peterson said.

Carey discovered Peterson while scouting current teammates and former Pearl River standouts Kerry Confrey and Kaitlyn O'Keefe.

"Kerry Confrey's uncle was sitting next to me so we got to talking and I told him I liked Kerry and Kaitlyn," Carey said. "I asked him if there was anyone else I should know about and he gave me Bri's name. I went to see her and I said, 'This girl is a player.' "

Peterson creates matchup problems with her height, quickness and perimeter jumper. Peterson can post up a defender or step out and drop a 15-footer with ease.

"All of the girls at the Division III level can play, but it's rare when you get a young lady like Bri who has her all-around game," Carey said.

Peterson is enjoying her freshman year and hoping to bring Catholic to the Division III forefront.

"This is the best feeling I've ever had," Peterson said. "Coach expects so much of me, yet she supports me like no other.

"I was very fortunate to have chosen Catholic and to play with a team I love, and I couldn't ask for a better coach."