HHS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
by Rudy Brandl, Sports Editor
Kaitlin Capriccio has been the one steady force on this year’s Hillsborough High girls’ basketball team.
The Lady Raiders haven’t enjoyed their usual successful season, but the HHS senior power forward has remained consistent. Capriccio has hit double figures in four of her last six games, including last Saturday when she pumped in 16 points to lead Hillsborough to a 53-40 victory over Ridge in the preliminary round of the Somerset County Tournament.
Capriccio, who’s averaging 10 points per game to lead the team, is the Hillsborough Beacon Athlete of the Week.
The HHS senior got hot in last week’s games vs. Immaculata and Ridge, scoring 33 points to propel the Lady Raiders to their first two-game win streak of the season. She particularly enjoyed netting 17 points against her old school, Immaculata, where she played as a freshman.
”That was my old school,” Capriccio said. “I really wanted that win.”
Capriccio has developed a knack for scoring early in games. She hit for six in the first quarter of Saturday’s county game to help set the tone. She scored in a variety of ways, including drives and jump shots.
The Lady Raiders tend to do well when Capriccio gets the offense started. Head coach Jim Reese knows Capriccio, the lone returning starter from last year’s Delaware East Division championship team, is the team’s most effective option.
”That’s our plan every game go inside to her,” Reese said. “She can go to the basket and she’s a good mid-range jump shooter. She’s probably our best shooter.”
The season has been difficult for Capriccio, who has been a part of very successful teams throughout her career. While last week’s wins pushed the HHS record to 4-12, Capriccio isn’t giving up on the season just yet. Capriccio admits it’s been tough, but she’s continued to lead the young troops.
”It’s definitely been hard for me, Capriccio said. “I’ve been on those teams and know what it’s like to get those big wins. We’re just playing hard and starting to gel really well.”
Capriccio plans to continue her basketball career in college. She’s currently deciding between Shippensburg University, Elmira College and the University of Scranton.