By Steve Svetovich

Former Scranton Prep basketball standout Bridget Walsh, a Dunmore native, always loved playing the game.

And she continues to enjoy it as much as ever as a sophomore center for DeSales University.

Daughter of Michael and Cathy Walsh, Dunmore, Bridget is a sophomore communications major at DeSales.

She has a 3.2 grade point average and is playing about 8-9 minutes a game as the backup center under DeSales basketball coach Fred Richter. She is averaging about three points and three rebounds in those minutes. She has been a steady contributor to the team.

A two-year member of the DeSales basketball team, Bridget is seeing much more playing time this season and has learned a lot from coach Richter.

“He preaches defense like my coaches in the past,” she said. “We play an up tempo game. He also teaches us there is more to life than basketball. He understands we are student-athletes.”

Ross Macciocco was Bridget’s basketball coach at Prep where she had a highly successful career.

She talked about the difference between high school and college basketball.

“It’s a much more up tempo game, but with a lot of the same principles.

“I love the team here. There are a lot of local faces. We have Morgan Birnelin and Katie Miller from Honesdale and Molly Jansco from Wallenpaupack. We are a close knit unit.”

The scholar-athlete said she loves the basketball and college atmosphere at DeSales. “I absolutely love it. It is a different feel. It is a great atmosphere. The coaches make the game enjoyable.

“I love everything about the college life here. It is not far from home. It is close to Allentown, so it is in a great location. It has a very homey feel. It’s kinda like home.”

Bridget said she would like to become a sports broadcaster/commentator when she graduates. She is hoping to do a sports broadcasting internship locally this summer.

She talked about the team goals. “We are 6-1 right now. We want to finish strong, win our conference and compete in the NCAA tournament at a high level. We have a mixture of young and veteran players who have high hopes. We are looking for a lot of success now and in the near future.”

And her future goals? “I want to get my grade point average up, continue playing basketball, get a good internship and eventually be set with a good job when I graduate.”

In the meantime, Bridget keeps practicing her craft. It’s a game she loves.