When Molly Joyce came onto the basketball floor at Bishop Garrigan, she improved the performance of everyone around her.
Joyce exerted maximum effort in the weight room, during practices, and during games to push her squad to be the best it could be.
Joyce’s selflessness on the court contributed to Garrigan’s final four consecutive Class 1A state finals berths and state championships.
Last week, Joyce was named Class 1A Iowa Basketball Coaches Association Player of the Year for her accomplishments in 2022-23.
“Molly is one of the finest players in Iowa on a team with another all-time great in Iowa,” BGHS head coach Brandon Schwab stated, alluding to Audi Crooks, a personal friend and teammate at Garrigan. “Molly was sometimes underestimated, yet without her we would not have reached four state finals and won two state titles. Period.
This prize is a fantastic honor for her to obtain.
Joyce, who will continue her career at Division II Truman State University, is the school’s all-time leader in assists (505) and three-point field goal percentage (249). Her three-point field goals made rank seventeenth in Iowa’s annals.
Schwab stated, “Molly is all about winning first, second, and beyond everything else.” Her development speaks volumes about the sacrifices she has made to win ballgames.
“She sacrificed scoring in order to win back-to-back state titles, despite her best efforts. This is hardly the simplest task for an all-state guard.”
In her final winter as a Golden Bear, Joyce recorded career highs in rebounds (80) and assists (40) this past season (194). Per game, she averaged 15.8 points.
Joyce was chosen to the first team of all-state four times and to the all-tournament team all four years, gaining captaincy as a junior.
Schwab stated, “There is no doubt that she makes everyone around her better.” “Deep down, her only desire is to win.
“Our success was due to her willingness to distribute the ball and trust her offensive.”
In four seasons together, Garrigan and Crooks combined their abilities to produce a 101-8 record.
Schwab stated, “I feel really fortunate to have trained both Molly Joyce and Audi Crooks.” “Normally, you’d be fortunate to have one of these players in your locker room during your whole career. I had two playing simultaneously.
“I had the opportunity to tutor Molly Joyce and Audi Crooks. But, they are even better people than they are basketball players. They are extremely coachable and contribute much to the community and local youth.”
Joyce finished her career with 1,898 points, placing her in the top 30 all-time. Her career assists (505) and steals (421) also rank in the top-40 in Iowa five-player history.
Joyce had 179 points, 50 assists, and 31 steals in 12 state tournament contests.
“Truman State is acquiring a gem in the rough: an underrated Division I point guard from Division II,” Schwab said. She is comparable to the best in the state of Iowa. I would not exchange her with anyone.
“She will excel and disprove the opinions of many. Her enrollment at Truman State University will propel her even further. It will be entertaining to see over the next four years.”