By Elizabeth Contreras
VYPE: What first drew you to basketball, and how long have you been playing?
Reina Lewis: My family is all about sports — watching it and being around it — so once I got old enough to really understand the game, I just clicked with basketball. I knew one day I could do exactly what I was watching. I started practicing as soon as I could in third grade, and I’ve been playing ever since.
VYPE: What’s one skill you’ve worked hardest to improve, and how did you do it?
RL: I’ve worked on my shooting and dribbling, and I’m still working on it. I make five midrange shots and five 3-pointers from every spot, and I do simple ball-handling drills every day.
VYPE: Who has been the biggest influence on your basketball journey?
RL: My family and God.
VYPE: What’s your favorite memory on the court so far?
RL: Winning our first championship this year with my team — my family.
VYPE: What’s something people might not realize about the amount of work that goes into being an athlete?
RL: It gets very difficult trying to juggle school and sports. You have to focus and work on one thing at a time and make sure you do what you need to do more than what you want to do.
VYPE: What does being a leader or a good teammate mean to you?
RL: Being able to tell your teammates when they’re wrong but also being able to be told when you’re wrong.
VYPE: What goals have you set for yourself this season?
RL: To limit my turnovers, not allow anybody to score on me, and to make at least 85 percent of my free throws in games by the end of the season.
VYPE: What are your future plans — do they include playing basketball after high school?
RL: I plan to go to college on a basketball scholarship and major in robotics and engineering.
VYPE: What advice would you give to younger players who look up to you?
RL: Take every opportunity seriously like it’s your last. Never take anything for granted, and don’t do anything that will jeopardize the blessings God has blessed you with.
