Family Style: Hannah Griffin playing 'older sister' for a change at Gwynedd Mercy

Basketball has always been synonymous with family for Hannah Griffin.

Her parents are both basketball coaches. Her older sister is now playing college basketball.

Even her Gwynedd Mercy team has featured plenty of sister pairings as well as parent coaches.

Whether they’re related by blood or by basketball, “It’s literally one big family here,” Griffin said.

The past two years have been an adjustment for Griffin, who went from being the ‘little sister’ to the ‘big sister,’ and is now the lone senior starter on the Monarchs.

“It’s been a learning experience for sure,” said Griffin. “I’ve taken on more responsibility and am holding myself accountable. Our freshmen and sophomores have really stepped up as well.”

And if there’s one thing this journey has taught Griffin, it’s that she’s more than capable of standing on her own.

A special guest appearance...

Last week, a Division-I basketball coach flew into town to catch a high school basketball game. The coach rushed straight to La Salle High School, where the AACA championship game was underway, to see just one player: Hannah Griffin.

This wasn’t a recruiting visit, however. The coach was Cindy Griffin, and the St. Joseph’s coach was there in time to see her daughter named co-MVP of the Catholic Academies’ League.

“Winning league MVP has always been one of my top goals, especially since my sister Kaylie won two years ago,” said Griffin. “I knew I had put in the work, and hearing my name called was just a huge moment.”

Having her mom witness that moment made it even more special for Hannah, as Cindy had to fly in from North Carolina, where her team was preparing for a game against Davidson.

The Monarchs didn’t end up winning the championship, but, not many had expected the team to even contend for the title after winning it last season.

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New team, similar results...

Over the past two seasons, GM lost several standout players to graduation, including Kaylie Griffin (St. Joe's) and twins Bianca (Navy) and Sofia Coleman (Kutztown). This year’s lineup features two freshmen starters. The results? A 12-0 start, runner-up in the AACA, and a first-round bye in the District One 5A playoffs.

“I definitely didn’t expect us to start so strong, and that really helped our confidence,” said Griffin. “I knew we had the people to do it, but we also had to build up chemistry and jell together as a team.”

That family environment at Gwynedd Mercy is one reason the team clicked so quickly.

“We’ve seen Emilia Coleman on the sidelines for so long (that) we basically watched her grow up and now she’s starting for us,” Griffin said. “Bailey Balkir, our other freshman, she went to all our off-season workouts and camps.”

Emilia’s father, Bill Coleman, is an assistant coach for Gwynedd, as is Hannah’s father, Curtis Griffin.

“My dad, I would say, is more of a teacher,” said Hannah. “He just helps everyone improve, whether it’s mental or physical.”

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Forging her own path

When considering her college choices, St. Joe’s was naturally a contender. Hannah Griffin would love the opportunity to play with her sister again, and she knows she’d love her coach.

“I did consider St. Joe’s, but over the summer I figured out a lot of stuff about myself,” said Griffin. “I realized it was best for me to go out on my own.”

Next season, Griffin will be playing for Holy Cross, where she says “the coaches and players are amazing people.”

Griffin, who is VP of the National Honor Society, hasn’t decided on a major yet, but enjoys a wide variety of subjects, including math and psychology. She also plays on the soccer team and is a member of the Dance Club.

“I’m not good at all (at dancing),” Griffin said. “But it’s fun and a great way to clear my mind of any stress.”

Her other favorite pastimes included reading, and going to basketball games - but as a spectator.

“Gabby Casey (Lansdale Catholic), Deja Evans (Archbishop Wood) are my teammates on the Philly Belles AAU, but (Gwynedd Mercy) doesn’t usually play their teams,” said Griffin. “So it’s fun to go out and see them playing at such a high level.”

A different path through the postseason...

Griffin leads the Monarchs in scoring (11 points per game), assists (5.2), steals (2.2) and defensive rebounding.

Last season she averaged nine points and three assists for the Monarchs, who won the District One 4A championship. This season, they moved up to 5A. It hasn’t impacted the Monarchs (20-5) so far, as they topped Upper Moreland 48-34 to advance to Friday's semifinal and secure a spot in the PIAA state tournament.

Griffin is quick to praise her teammates, and seems most excited at seeing them excel, rather than her own success.

“I’m so proud of Dylan (Burke) — she has improved so much,” Griffin said. “Megan McDonnell has stepped up her physicality, and I was thrilled that Cara Lapp was named second-team All-AACA.”

While the last four years have featured plenty of changes and adjustments for Griffin, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s been a blessing to grow up around these teams,” Griffin said. “They’ll push you to reach your potential, but also support you no matter what.”

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Girls Basketball: Gwynedd Mercy's Hannah Griffin making it on her own