November 20, 2003

Lopers sign two-sport standout

KEARNEY - Lincoln East's Melissa Hinkley has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at the Universty of Nebraska at Kearney, Loper women's basketball coach Carol Russell said Thursday.

She also will play softball at UNK, joining a select group of two-sport athletes.

"We are very excited to have Melissa join our Loper family. She is a very talented all-around athlete. She has the ability to play on the perimeter and in the post," Russell said. "I look for her to be a scorer and a tough defender. Melissa comes from a great family with tremendous morals. She fit in great with our players on her visit."

Hinkley joins Millard North star Amy Mathis as Loper recruits so far this year.

A 6-foot forward who can play several positions, Hinkley earned honorable mention Super State honors last year for the Spartans. She also earned all-city honors after leading East to an 18-5 record and a runner-up finish at the 2003 Class A state tournament.

In softball, Hinkley played shortstop and led East to the state tournament this year where the Spartans pulled two upsets and reached the Class A final four. She batted .366 with 37 runs scored and 29 stolen bases. Subsequently, Hinkley earned first-team All-Nebraska honors from the Omaha World-Herald.

In her career, Hinkley earned first-team all-class all-state honors three times.

Off the court, Hinkley excels in the classroom where she is a member of the National Honor Society and has been chosen academic all-state in both basketball and softball.