Grand, Kids: McManus Daughters Make Make It a Point of Carrying on Family Tradition

Another member of the amazing McManus family has entered one of basketball’s most esteemed clubs.

Milton Academy junior Devin Jane Hill, daughter of Brad Hill and former Winthrop High School All-Scholastic Maureen McManus Hill, and granddaughter of former Winthrop Police Chief Michael McManus and Carol McManus, scored her 1,000th career point in a game against rival Noble and Greenough in Dedham.

Maureen McManus Hill was first in the family and the first girl in WHS history to reach the 1,000-point milestone. The sensational center on Coach Ron Spinney and Assistant Coach Jim Nimblett’s team helped power the Lady Vikings to an Eastern Mass. championship in 1983. She went on to become Lafayette College’s all-time leading scorer with 1,813 points and is an inductee in the college’s Hall of Fame.

Erin Hill, Devin’s sister, became a 1,000-point scorer at Martha’s Vineyard High School where her mother, Maureen, was the head basketball coach. Erin also excelled at Tabor Academy and the 6-foor-2-inch sophomore just completed her second season for the Yale University women’s basketball team.

A 5-feet-10-inch junior forward, Devin Jane Hill had 800 career points following three seasons at Falmouth Academy and being named the Cape and Islands League Most Valuable Player in 2019. She was reclassified as a junior upon entering Milton Academy.

A Moment to Remember

After being fouled on one of her patented drives to the basket early in the game, Devin swished a free throw for her 1000th point. The game was stopped to recognize Devin’s achievement. It was a moment to cherish for the Milton star, her parents, who were in attendance, her teammates and coaches.

“It was the best feeling and having my teammates all around me, too, definitely helped,” said Devin. “It felt like I was over a hurdle in my life and it was just very relieving.”

Devin said her overall skills advanced this season under the direction of head coach Jaclyn Lyons, a former All-Scholastic at Reading High and Merrimack College standout. The highly competitive ISL (Independent School League) schedule has also brought out the best in Devin.

“Without a doubt, I feel that I improved a lot this season,” said Devin. “My ballhandling skills have gotten better. I’m gotten quicker. My outside shooting and passing have improved at Milton. Every single game was competitive, especially since we’re in the ISL and it was making me a better player every game.”

Devin said she enjoyed her first season with her Milton teammates and coach Jaclyn Lyons. “I just loved the coaching staff and all the girls I got to know this year. Coach Lyons always knows how to inspire our team. She’s really good at pushing us and demanding the most from us on and off the court.”

Lyons said Devin Hill has an outstanding season in her first year in the Milton program.

“Devin came in to our program a sound and experienced leader,” said Lyons. “She was not afraid to take risks and she was an offensive powerhouse for us. She’s a force to be reckoned with.

“She adjusted well to our culture and the girls love her,” continued Lyons. “She’s an awesome kid with a great family. When I’m talking to families about the possibility of attending Milton, I look for great families and I knew the Hills were that and I knew they were going to be a great fit for our program.”

Devin said her sister, Erin, has been a good role model. “With her academics and how to balance everything, giving me tips on recruiting, she’s taught me how balance being away from home and deal with my academics,” said Devin.

Devin has begun looking at colleges. “I want to become a director when I get older so I’m looking at lot of film schools,” said Devin,  I also want to play college basketball.”

Coached by her Mother in MV Youth Basketball

Devin Hill’s talent on the court was noteworthy early on. As a third grader, she was moved up to the fifth-grade travel team coached by her mother. Devin played through eighth grade and was a perennial All-Star and led the team to two league titles.

“It was fun playing because my mom is a such a great coach and knows so much about basketball,” said Devin, “I know she was a great player but she’s an even better coach. She is someone I always go to for help in life and the game of basketball in general. She’s always there for me and always knows what to say.”

Maureen McManus, who started alongside guards Lisa Monteleone and Pamela Hubley, and forward Eileen Kelly and Mary Wood (with Denise Millerick and Leanne Mirabelli also contributing big minutes) on the 1983 champions, said she’s proud of her daughters’ accomplishments.

“I’m so proud of Devin and Erin,” said Maureen. “Devin is a totally different player than I was. Of course, I taught her all the post moves and especially the drop step. What reminds me of my game is that Devin can take contact and still finish the player. She definitely has better range that I had. She can hit threes and my range was mainly 15 feet. She has a nice outside shot.”

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