VIDEO: Mikulski’s 1K point highlights special evening as Wildwood Catholic takes down South Jersey power

Posted: January 13th 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

NORTH WILDWOOD – Friday proved to be one of the most special evenings of regular-season basketball in the history of Wildwood Catholic Academy girls basketball.

Standout senior Kaci Mikulski scored the 1,000th point of her career to highlight a Crusader victory over a rather formidable opponent, Wildwood Catholic rallying from sizable deficits in both the first and third quarters to come away with a 53-43 decision over Lenape, a team considered by many to be among the top teams in South Jersey.

The Indians appeared poised to spoil the evening for Wildwood Catholic’s players, coaches and fans at the game’s outset by racing out to a 12-1 lead to start the game and a 16-5 advantage after one quarter.

But Wildwood Catholic rallied in the second period, pulling to within four at the break. Mikulski’s 1000th point came during the surge, the 5-8 guard scoring a layup from the right side of the basket while being fouled. The game was briefly stopped for a short celebration that allowed the large crowd on hand to praise Mikulski for her accomplishment.

Lenape surged ahead again at the start of the second half, building another 11-point lead. 

But from there, the Crusaders dominated.

Wildwood Catholic gained all the momentum going into the fourth quarter by surging to close to within three points heading into the period. The Crusaders then outscored Lenape by 21-8 in the final quarter to win rather comfortably at the finish.

Mikulski, who was also named a finalist for the McDonald’s All-American Game earlier in the week, finished with a game-high 26 points to cap what was without a doubt one of the most memorable games of her career. Anastasia Bowman provided a significant boost off the bench with 11 points. Lola McGonigle added nine points, including some critical free throws in the fourth quarter.

Alexa Henry scored 12 points to lead Lenape (8-4).

Mikulski exited the game with 1,020 career points. She is the 17th girls basketball player in school history to score more than 1,000 points.

Wildwood Catholic (10-1) is next in action Sunday at Camden Catholic.