How Washington's Steven Reynolds III has handled lofty expectations
Before this year's high school boys basketball season, South Bend Washington coach Ryan Varga had a few conversations with his youngest player, Steven Reynolds III.
It is not often a freshman like Reynolds III was being asked to make an immediate impact at the beginning of their high school careers like he was. But Reynolds III's situation was even more unique, being a part of Panther basketball royalty.
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Reynolds III is the younger brother of girls basketball players Amiyah and Kira, as well as eldest sister Mila, who all were part of last year's 3A state championship team. Of course, Reynolds III's dad is head coach Steve Reynolds.
"There was a lot of expectations there," Varga said. "Especially with his family and the success they have had."
But through the first month of the season, Reynolds III has lived up to his family's legacy, becoming the next in line of basketball greats.
Reynolds, 15, averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in Washington's eight games ahead of last week's Warsaw Classic, which Washington (9-2, 3-1 NIC) finished 2-1 over the holiday weekend. Reynolds III was named to the All-Tournament team.
Reynolds has been garnering attention on the court even before arriving to Washington. So far he has an offer from IUPUI. But since flashing with the Panthers, the likes of Purdue and Indiana are starting to notice, too.
"Everything has been way more physical and I had to really adapt," Reynolds III said of adjusting to the high school game. "Just getting people thrown at me. People coming at me who have been bigger, taller, faster it is tough but since I have gotten to high school, the practices have helped me a lot."
So has receiving the knowledge of three older sisters. Reynolds III said he's gotten the most advice from Mila, who now plays at the University of Maryland, knowing what to do when being guarded certain way, or how to be a leader when shots aren't falling.
"He's a really good passer and looks to pass often," Varga said. "Recently he's just worked on the defensive side of things and rebounding. He's been a guy that has made a commitment to hitting the boards for us. As he matures and grows throughout the season, he is learning how to get other guys involved and impact the game in other ways. It is pretty impressive."
Varga knew a breakout year No. 1 could happen from Reynolds III, given he's watched him practice, and shoot, and grow both physically and skill-set wise, since he has been around the school facilities since sixth grade.
During those years, however, Reynolds III was known as the up-and-coming little brother.
Though that may never change, Reynolds III is still determined to make his own name in Washington basketball lore.
"Once people start talking about me and not my sisters," he said. "I have fulfilled what I wanted to."
Top performances last week
Glenn's Brycen Hannah scored a team-high 14 points in a win over Fremont. Glenn's Chase Miller scored a team-high 13 points in a win over East Noble. Mishawaka Marian's Deaglan Sullivan scored a team-high 29 points in a win over Fishers. Sullivan also hit a buzzer-beater in a win over Valparaiso. South Bend Washington's Terrence Reid scored a team-high 13 points in a win over Warsaw. South Bend Adams' Britain Vann scored a team-high 23 points in a win over Logansport. Penn's Markus Burton scored a team-high 17 points in a win over North Daviess. Mishawaka's Arthur Jones scored a team-high 25 points in a win over Merrillville.
Top games this week
Jan 6: Northridge at Warsaw
The Raiders and Tigers meet in what could turn into a pivotal matchup when it comes to the Northern Lakes Conference standings. Northridge, No. 11 in 4A, (7-4, 1-0 NLC) will enter Friday on a three-game losing streak after dropping all of its games at the Noblesville Tournament. The Raiders have not beaten Warsaw since 2019.
The Tigers (5-4, 1-0 NLC) saw their three-game winning streak come to an end after dropping their final two games of their own holiday tournament, including one to South Bend Washington.
Jan. 7: Valparaiso at Penn
Penn will have to do something it hasn't had to do all season when Valparaiso comes to town next week, which is bounce back from a loss.
The Kingsmen (7-1, 3-0 NIC) fell to 4A No. 1 Ben Davis in their first of two games last week at the Raymond James Hall of Fame Classic at New Castle. Penn, ranked No. 2 in 4A last week, rebounded in the consolation game, downing North Daviess.
Valparaiso (7-4), won three of its four games played at the Homestead Tournament, with its lone loss coming on a buzzer-beater to Mishawaka Marian. The Vikings host Portage before Saturday's matchup against Penn.
Mason Jones (22.8 points per game) and Jack Smiley (15.3 PPG) are the Vikings' major scoring threats.
Conference standings
Northern Indiana Conference (as of Dec. 31): Penn (7-1, 3-0 NIC), South Bend Saint Joe (6-5, 3-0 NIC), Mish. Marian (10-1, 1-0 NIC), South Bend Washington (9-2, 3-1 NIC), Glenn (5-4, 2-2 NIC), South Bend Riley (6-6, 2-2 NIC), New Prairie (3-4, 2-2 NIC), South Bend Adams (4-3, 1-2 NIC), Elkhart (1-7, 1-2 NIC), South Bend Clay (4-4, 1-3 NIC), Bremen (0-7, 0-2 NIC), Jimtown (2-8, 0-3 NIC)
Northern Lakes Conference (as of Dec. 31): Mishawaka (8-2, 1-0 NLC), NorthWood (8-2, 1-0 NLC), Northridge (7-4, 1-0 NLC), Warsaw (5-4, 1-0 NLC), Goshen (5-3, 0-1 NLC), Plymouth (5-4, 0-1 NLC), Concord (4-5, 0-1 NLC), Wawasee (4-6, 0-1 NLC)
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notebook: How Washington's Steven Reynolds III has handled lofty expectations
