Whitko’s Aly Reiff

SOUTH WHITLEY — With the season drawing to a close last Saturday, the offseason has officially started for the Whitko girls basketball team. Just a few weeks back the Wildcats star player, Aly Reiff, verbally committed to Xavier University.

Tied with obvious time constraints in practice and games, Reiff was unable to comment about the decision at the time but has now opened up on the choice.

“Xavier is the best fit of all my choices when it comes to education, basketball and campus atmosphere,” Reiff stated. “There’s a 12:1 student to faculty ratio, and there is a brand new academic center that’s just for athletes. The campus is beautiful and I really like the feel of a smaller campus.

“Coach Brian Neal is a great coach with an experienced staff that I feel will help me become the best player I can be. Playing in the Big East was also a great draw as I know I’ll get to play against great competition.”

Reiff averaged 19.1 points per game during her junior campaign, which ended in loss to Westview in the sectional title game. While she led the team in scoring, she also led the Wildcats in rebounds (5.8 per game), assists (5.5 per game) and steals (3.8 per game).

Getting the commitment out of the way is a big relief for Reiff, who can now focus strictly on education and basketball and not have to stress about her future.

“Verbally committing has definitely taken a lot off my shoulders just by knowing it’s done. I feel really good about my decision,” the junior shared.

Looking ahead, Reiff is excited about the offseason and her senior year.

“This summer I will still be playing with Best Choice United out of Indianapolis,” Reiff continued. “We’ll be playing in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. The big change is not going to multiple college individual camps. I can stay home and workout with trainers on my own, working on my weaknesses and improving my strengths.

“I just want to keep getting better.”

Since stepping onto the hardwood for Whitko, Reiff has led the Wildcats to a 51-23 record in three seasons and is already the all-time leading scorer in program history with 1,270 points.