Sports

St. Peter’s Fennell makes most of second chance, lands at Molloy College

Patrick Fennell knew it was his second, and likely last, chance at his dream situation.

Molloy College assistant coach Michael Cortese, a former St. Joseph by the Sea coach, set up a workout for the St. Peter’s senior in May with head man Charles Marquardt. The ECC school had been recruiting Fennell, who had mostly Division III interest and loved everything about the Rockville Center, L.I. school. Still, he didn’t let that affect his performance.

“You would figure someone in that situation would be really nervous,” Fennell said. “It was a last opportunity for me and I just left it all on the line, gave it my hardest and I played well.”

He played well enough to peak Molloy’s interest and earn himself a partial athletic and academic scholarship to the Division II school. Fennell said he will be the perfect distance from home, close enough to family in the area if he needs something, and he will be attending a school that has an excellent business program, his preferred field, along with a basketball program he feels comfortable in.

“I went there and it seemed personal with the players,” Fennell said. “It wasn’t coach-player with a boundary.”

Suiting up for Molloy could mean a shift back to his natural position at the small forward spot. The 6-foot-3 Fennell played power forward and center for the Eagles. Fennell believes moving to the wing will take some adjusting too, handling the ball more and guarding quicker players.

“He had to be a rebounder for us,” St. Peter’s coach Charlie Driscoll said. “He’s very physical. He was a football player his first three years. He is a very good athlete.”

Fennell was St. Peter’s most consistent second scoring option behind star Andrew Cannon last season. The Eagles stunned eventual CHSAA Class AA semifinalist Mount Mt. Michael during the regular season and reached the intersectional quarterfinals. St. Peter’s fell to Curtis in the SIHSL final.

“Certain games he scored,” Discoll said. “Other games he rebounded and defended.”

Fennell, however, will not stop working. He doesn’t so much as see landing at Molloy as an accomplishment, but the beginning of another challenge. He wants to play and contribute when he gets there.

“I’ve never worked so hard in my life,” Fennell said. “I’m at the gym every day, just playing ball every day. It’s something I look forward to, to prove the I belong there and that I can help the school.”

jstaszewski@nypost.com