Hinckley helps Episcopal to state title
When Kristen Hinckley says it has been a great year, she isn't exaggerating. In fact, the senior cocaptain on the Episcopal girls' basketball team might be understating just how well the past few months have gone.
In November, Hinckley scored the game-winner in double overtime to secure an Inter-Ac League soccer title for Episcopal, and just a few weeks ago, the girls' basketball team captured its first league title.
But Hinckley's amazing senior year didn't stop there, as the Churchwomen earned the program's first Pennsylvania Independent Schools title on Saturday night, defeating Germantown Academy, 56-42.
"Everyone has worked so hard, and our hard work has really paid off," Hinckley said. "We achieved both of our team goals, which were Inter-Ac and states."
Senior forward Megan Quinn scored 15 first-half points for Episcopal, hitting a huge three-pointer 10 seconds before the break, to give the Churchwomen (23-3) a 10-point lead.
Quinn finished with a game-high 24, adding seven rebounds and three blocks, and Hinckley had nine points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Episcopal also received another strong performance from junior guard Sarah Abbonizio, who scored 13.
The Churchwomen, ranked fourth in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer, pulled away in the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 18.
GA (20-11) relied on a balanced offensive attack led by senior Kiernan McCloskey (15 points), but never put a solid run together.
"I think we knew it was going to be a hard game," Hinckley said of playing an Inter-Ac rival. "It's hard to beat the same team three times, so I think we really rose to the occasion."
With her basketball season over, Hinckley can relax and take a minute to enjoy all she has accomplished, but she probably won't.
After all, lacrosse season is coming up.
Germantown Acad. 10 6 15 11 – 42
Episcopal Acad. 12 14 16 14 – 56
GA: Kiernan McCloskey 15, Olivia Gorman 8, Margaret Ann Hubbell 8, Kendall Grasela 5, Dempsey Cooper 4, Angela Upright 2.
EA: Megan Quinn 24, Sarah Abbonizio 13, Kristen Hinckley 9, Meghan Pickell 6, Meghan Hubley 2, Leah Becker 1, Julianne Longen 1.
Contact Kate Harman at rallysports@phillynews.com.
