Reitz Panthers Advance to Semistate, Face Center Grove Saturday

The Reitz girls basketball team continues their historic postseason run after winning the sectional title for the first time since 1990.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Reitz Panthers girls basketball team has advanced to the semistate round of the Indiana high school basketball tournament. After winning the sectional title for the first time since 1990, Reitz will now face undefeated Center Grove on Saturday. The team is excited to still be practicing and playing together, with senior leaders Bailey Hape and Summer Johnson highlighting the team's strong shooting and driving ability as keys to their success. Head coach Brock Stone praised the team's positive attitude and camaraderie during this deep playoff run.

Why it matters

Reitz's advancement to the semistate round is a historic accomplishment for the program, which has not reached this stage of the tournament in over 30 years. The team's success has generated excitement in the community and shows the growth of the Reitz girls basketball program under coach Brock Stone's leadership.

The details

The Reitz Panthers will face a tough challenge against undefeated Center Grove on Saturday in the 4A semistate round. Reitz is focused on Center Grove's physicality and plans to rely on their strong shooting from seniors Bailey Hape and Rhyan, as well as the driving ability of senior Keilah. The team has been preparing with physical practice sessions to get ready for the matchup.

  • The semistate game will take place on Saturday at 11am Central Time in Jasper, Indiana.
  • Reitz last won a sectional title in 1990, ending a 32-year drought.

The players

Brock Stone

The head coach of the Reitz Panthers girls basketball team, who has led the program to new heights this season.

Bailey Hape

A senior guard for the Reitz Panthers who is a key contributor on the team's strong shooting.

Summer Johnson

A senior forward for the Reitz Panthers who highlighted the team's offensive strengths heading into the semistate matchup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The girls are feeling good about themselves, they're feeling good knowing that we're still getting to practice, we're still getting to come and be around each other and prepare for another matchup. It's been a long time coming for us to play this deep into the post season. They're enjoying every moment together, every moment together off the court, so it's just been a really fun environment over the last couple of days.”

— Brock Stone, Head Coach (14news.com)

“Definitely the physicality, the scout team has been really physical helping us get prepped for that. This means everything, I'm sure a lot of people thought Reitz girls basketball wouldn't get to this moment, but I'm super proud to be a part of this group, and super blessed to do it with these girls.”

— Bailey Hape, Senior Guard (14news.com)

“I think shooting, Bailey and Rhyan, we're pretty good with that, and then Keilah is really good with driving in, we're strong with that.”

— Summer Johnson, Senior Forward (14news.com)

What’s next

If Reitz wins their semistate matchup against Center Grove, they will advance to play that same night for the semistate championship.

The takeaway

Reitz's historic playoff run shows the growth and potential of their girls basketball program. After ending a 32-year sectional title drought, the team is now just two wins away from reaching the state championship game, a remarkable accomplishment that has energized the community and demonstrated the team's resilience and talent.