Dribbling through defenders at Parkway Central High School, varsity girls basketball captain and junior Josie Grunzinger gears up for a shot. She aims, she shoots and she scores, securing the district championship for the girls basketball team with a 54-24 score against the Colts.
March 4 was a historic night for the girls basketball team — it was the first time since the 2000-2001 season that they earned the district title and a trip to the state quarterfinals. Senior Amy Rein was a guiding force for the team. Her role as a guard helped to secure the Longhorns’ aggressive offense.
“[The win] was electric and really special because we haven’t won the district championship in over 20 years. The fact that I got to do that with that group of girls will go down in history,” Rein said. “It was surreal to be a part of that and witness that incredible win.”
While the girls were the top-ranked team before entering the district tournament, they played a difficult schedule during the season. With a close winning record of 16-14 overall, the team had few large losses. Their season was dedicated to preparing for the district tournament, regardless of if they won or lost.
“There were some games we lost that we shouldn’t have, but we always played hard,” Rein said. “We had a very good season, even looking at wins and losses. A lot can happen in the regular season.”
Rein was a part of the junior varsity team, but she took a hiatus for one year before returning and playing for the varsity team. Throughout this time, Rein acknowledged the value of friendship in sports.
“Winning during my senior year [means] so much to me. My teammates made it so special. I get to be there for my girls, and they get to be there for me. I have a connection, and a really special bond with each of them. Everyone loves their team so much, but the girls truly mean so much to me,” Rein said.
Not only did the girls make long-lasting memories with each other, but they also developed close relationships with their coaches and mentors throughout the season. Varsity head coach Brett Katz was previously a basketball player, who attended Parkway North High School. There, he was coached by current assistant varsity coach John Sheridan. Both Katz and Sheriden, with years of basketball experience, helped the girls develop both on and off the court.
“Coach Sheridan gave me a lot of confidence for my game. He always offers good advice,” Rein said. “He would tell me a dad joke before practice [and] it was so funny. I am grateful that I got to meet [him] and the head coach, Katz. He’s awesome. He’s a good coach and mentor, and we’ve had a lot of good talks.”
After a powerful district win, the basketball team ended up at the state quarterfinal tournament, where they battled a tough Lutheran St. Charles, falling short by seven points.
“We played one of the top teams in the state [in the quarterfinals]. This was our best game all year. Everybody did such a good job working together. We just couldn’t pull it out in the end, but it was a perfect way to end our season,” Gruzinger said. “Everybody will be hungry to get even further next year.”
