Winchester Girls Varsity Basketball Stuns Reading in Thrilling 54–53 Comeback Win

Author: Alex Machemer, WHS Class of '26

The Winchester girls varsity basketball team pulled off a dramatic 54–53 victory over Reading, showcasing grit, defense, and clutch play in a game that came down to the final seconds.

Winchester trailed for most of the contest, struggling to find momentum as Reading maintained a narrow lead throughout much of the game. However, late in the fourth quarter, Winchester surged back with renewed energy, tying the game with just 1:30 remaining.

The turning point came moments later when freshman Mya Korpal made an electrifying steal and sprinted down the court for an uncontested layup, giving Winchester its first lead of the night. In the tense final minute, Korpal delivered again, scoring another crucial layup to push the lead to two and cementing her role as a clutch performer under pressure.

Both teams headed to the free-throw line in the closing moments. Each took two shots, but Reading converted only one, sealing the 54–53 win for Winchester.

Several players stood out in the hard-fought victory. Korpal led the late-game charge with her timely scoring, while senior captain Catherine Ryan dominated the paint with a strong interior presence and countless rebounds. Carolyn Collins also made her impact felt on both ends of the floor, applying aggressive pressure on defense and attacking offensively when it mattered most.

Winchester’s success was driven largely by its defensive intensity. The team limited Reading’s easy scoring opportunities and controlled the glass with consecutive rebounds, consistently keeping possession and disrupting Reading’s rhythm.

With the win, Winchester improves its record to 8–2 and carries momentum into its next matchup against Malden Catholic High School.