KENILWORTH — She sues, she scores.
Sydney Phillips, the 13-year-old girl who had to file a lawsuit to be allowed to join a Catholic school boys basketball team, got on the court and on the scoreboard for the first time on Sunday.
To cheers from the crowd at the St. Theresa’s School gymnasium, Sydney entered the game in the first half and soon scored, said her father, Scott Phillips.
“She was a little nervous, but then she got in to play and got in the flow,” Phillips said. “Everyone was just so supportive. It was a real proud moment for the school.”
Sydney had played on girls teams at St. Theresa’s in prior years, but when school cancelled the girls team’s season because not enough students signed-up. Sydney’s parents asked to have her play on the boys team, but school officials said that was against the rules.
They filed suit against the school and the Archdiocese of Newark and after an initial setback, a judge ruled Syndey should be allowed to play.
Superior Court Donald Kessler reversed an earlier decision on Friday after seeing reports that two girls were playing on a CYO boys team at St. John the Apostle school in Clark.
St. Theresa’s lost the game Sunday, but Sydney Phillips scored four points, Scott Phillips said.
Sydney also gained the respect of some players on the opposing team who told ABC 7 how they were impressed with her playing.
Sunday’s contest was the last regular season game for the St. Theresa’s team, but there will still be at least one playoff, in which Sydney will play.
Tom Haydon may be reached at thaydon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_HaydonSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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