Highland Park senior forward Maddie Reitmayer has stepped out of the long shadow cast by her older sister McKenzie.
The 6-foot Maddie Reitmayer has emerged as the Giants’ main leader and stat-stuffer following McKenzie’s graduation.
“This is the first year that’s not played with my sister on the same team, whether in club or all throughout high school,” Maddie Reitmayer said. “It’s strange to not play with her. I always felt like I had one person on every team I knew I could rely on with her when I was struggling hard in a game or practice.
“It feels good to rely on my other teammates.”
McKenzie Reitmayer, who led Highland Park in scoring last season, said she advised Maddie to take advantage of that chance.
“I remind her to value the opportunity to be surrounded by amazing teammates and coaches and to take pride in working together to achieve big goals,” McKenzie Reitmayer said. “It’s a special time for her, so she should enjoy it to the fullest.”
The 6-foot Maddie Reitmayer heard that message loud and clear. After scoring 16 points against Maine West on Tuesday, she’s averaging 8.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists as the Giants (5-1, 1-0), who won the Mundelein Thanksgiving Classic title in November, take their first steps toward a second straight Central Suburban League North Division title.
Maddie Reitmayer’s inside-outside game is blending well with her teammates.
“For her size, she can handle the ball and play in the post and shoot from the perimeter,” Highland Park coach Jolie Bechtel said. “She’s played mostly inside in her time here, but this year she’s doing a little bit of both. She’s moving very well toward the basket, as opposed to a post player under the basketball all the time. She’s also one of our strongest defenders.”
Maddie Reitmayer’s game has grown by leaps and bounds, according to McKenzie.
“I think Maddie’s biggest improvement has been her confidence,” McKenzie Reitmayer said. “She trusts herself and has really transformed her game on both sides of the ball. That has made her into a more dynamic and effective player.
“She’s also become a great leader. She’s always led by example through the years, but has now become more vocal and done a great job motivating her teammates and inspiring competitiveness and confidence in others.”
Highland Park junior guard/forward Reese Crosby, who is healthy after dealing with a knee injury last season, agreed that Maddie Reitmayer is a good teammate.
“Maddie has always supported me,” Crosby said. “She’s the first one to pick me up when I’m down on myself. Maddie also carries herself with great pride in her team.”
Maddie Reitmayer played wide receiver in flag football, a sport sanctioned for the first time by the Illinois High School Association this fall, and learned from that experience.
“Flag football is definitely a team sport but is very different with an offensive and defensive team,” she said. “The roles are different. In basketball, you have to be more flexible, but in flag football, you can learn one position and focus on the little things at each position. I’ve taken that approach in basketball.”
Maddie Reitmayer said she has made a point to be tougher on the court, especially when she drives to the basket.
“I’ve think just being focused on going strong to the basket has helped me,” she said. “In the past, I was more reluctant, but I’ve built up my confidence to be stronger. I’m taller, so working on my power and strength was important.”
For Maddie Reitmayer, who is the president of the school’s Girl Up Club, it’s also important to make the most of this season.
“I’ve been focusing on having fun and enjoying these last moments in basketball,” she said. “I’m just focusing on playing my best without focusing too much on statistics.
“I’m really excited for the rest of the season. We have a lot of potential and a good chance to win conference again. We have to stay focused on each competitor and each game.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
