With her success on the court, Northampton sophomore Laila Reichl can attribute her current success to her parents, Joe and Lynne, both of whom played the game at Catasauqua High School.

Her parents also have been a steady stream of support.

“I started playing basketball when I was 5-years-old, because it was a sport my parents played,” recalled Reichl. “My mom has played the biggest role in my athletic career. She pushes me to work hard and motivates me to be the best version of myself.”

Growing up, Reichl had to overcome her height and made the necessary adjustments. Currently, Reichl stands at five-foot-nine.

“When I started playing basketball, I was very small,” noted Reichl. “So, I had to rely on my speed and skill. I also tended to overthink and have things get in my head, but I have learned to push through it and stay focused.”

Reichl also learned the art of perseverance.

“I just tell myself to stay confident and to trust my game,” she said. “I did like the sport when I was younger. I knew I had to keep pushing myself and never give up.”

As she grew older, Reichl began to find her game. She is the team’s point guard and averaged 10 points per game this season. Reichl recently registered a career-high 20 points against Liberty, and she followed that with a 19-point showing against Whitehall.

Reichl plans to continue working with her trainer and play AAU ball in the offseason.

“I started to feel comfortable with the game in middle school, once I became familiar with the speed and intensity of it,” said Reichl. “I’ve played point guard ever since I was younger than shooting guard as a freshman.

“This year, I took on point guard again. I’ve made a lot of strides this year as our point guard. I’ve improved at leading the team, making quick decisions on the court, and creating opportunities for my teammates and myself.”

Head coach Jeff Jacksits is confident Reichl can take her game to the next level.

“Laila is our starting point guard, and she has done a nice job progressing this season,” beamed Jacksits. “She has had some growing pains which is to be expected. It has been a ‘learn on the job’ situation.

“Laila is really a shooting guard playing the point. It is easy to see that she will develop into a very good player and her future is truly bright. If she continues to work hard at her game, she has the potential to become one of the top players in our league.”