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03/30/2022 12:00 AMThe Guilford girls’ basketball team put together a tremendous bounceback season this year after winning just two games last winter. One of the reasons why the Grizzlies saw a reversal of fortunes on the court was the performance of freshman Keira Reynolds at the point guard position.
Guilford finished the 2022 season with 16 victories and won its first two games in the Class L State Tournament to make the quarterfinals. Keira loved being a part of the Grizzlies’ success during her first season with the program.
“As a team, our season was solid. We went 16-9 and made a run to the Elite 8 in states, while giving the No. 1 seed and eventual runner-up a run for their money,” says Keira. “We benefited from having an experienced team filled with a lot of upperclassmen talent at all positions and strong leadership from lots of different players both on the court and off the court.”
Keira had to deal with a variety of injuries throughout her freshman season. Keira worked her way back to the floor in time for the playoffs and made her presence felt to help Guilford go on a nice run in states.
“Individually, my season had a lot of ups and downs. I battled through a broken thumb, sprained ankle, and concussion, which caused me to miss a lot of the season,” Keira says. “It was difficult to find my rhythm and consistency until late in the season, when I was finally healthy.
“When the playoffs came around, I was finally back to 100 percent and able to contribute to the team in a positive way,” she continues. “One thing that got my freshman year off on a good foot was the preseason team-building efforts by our captains Faith [O’Donnell] and Mia [Diaz] in the summer and fall.”
Keira started playing basketball when she was six years old. Keira has always had a love for the game, and that passion continues to grow with each passing season.
“I first started basketball in 1st grade, when I played mini hoops. I got serious about basketball in 4th grade, when I first started AAU,” says Keira. “I’ve been lucky enough to have some incredible coaches that have kept my passion for the game growing. Not only have they taught me the game of basketball, but they have taught me about mental toughness, leadership, goal setting, good sportsmanship, and teamwork.”
Keira enjoys the speed of the game the most while playing point guard for Guilford. Keira likes having the responsibility of dictating how fast or slow she wants the Grizzlies’ offense to run and loves setting up her teammates for easy buckets in transition.
“My favorite aspect of the sport has to be the speed of the game,” Keira says. “As a point guard, I love to push the ball in transition and create opportunities for my teammates. I would take an assist over a basket any day. I also love the competitive nature of man-to-man defense and pressuring the ball.”
Head Coach Bernie Brennan credits Keira for battling through her injuries to make a significant impact on this year’s team.
One of Keira’s top performances of the season came when Guilford faced Newington in the state quarterfinals. Keira scored 9 points to go with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in a competitive contest against the top seed in the bracket.
“Keira is the fastest girl I’ve ever coached,” says Brennan. “In our State Tournament run, she played great. She is the point guard for the future of our program.”
Basketball is Keira’s primary sport, and she’s practically on the court on a year-round basis. Keira also plays soccer and was a member of the varsity squad for the Guilford girls’ soccer program last fall.
“When I’m not playing in games or in practice, I spend time shooting in the driveway, dribbling in the basement, and working on speed, agility, and strength training,” Keira says. “I also watch a ton of game film. I focus on my own strengths and weaknesses, scouting other teams, and watching some of the top players in the state to learn from them.”
Keira is already looking forward to her sophomore season with Guilford girls’ hoops. Keira knows that the program is trending in the right direction following this year’s success and wants to help the Grizzlies continue their ascent in 2023.
“I have high expectations for our team next year. Although we are losing four strong seniors, we still have a solid core returning,” says Keira. “I plan to work extremely hard this spring and summer on my skills and leadership to help build upon this year’s team’s success. The future of Guilford basketball looks bright, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”