JTV Sports Quick Focus: Hitt Comes Up Clutch for Western Basketball

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(March 8, 2022 10:56 AM) A number of basketball coaches have tried to change the shooting style of Western High School senior Reece Hitt.

They may have wanted her to shoot more from the front than from the side and shoot quicker.

But the proof is in the pudding when it comes to success for Hitt.

She knocked down a 3-point basket with seven second remaining in the Michigan High School Athletic Association D-1 district final against Holt on Friday to send the Panthers to the regional semifinals.

She had been bottled up all night by a threesome of defenders out near the three-point line.

“It was tough in the beginning because I wasn’t hitting them (3-point shots) and it was frustrating,” Hitt said. “In the second half if I was open, I shot it.”

Hitt holds the WHS school record for 3-point baskets in a game with 10 against Pennfield. She also broke the school record for points in a game with 28.

But the senior has a unique shot – off to the side like an elementary student trying to get the ball to the basket.

“I have had quite a few coaches tell me I need to shoot it quicker,” Hitt said. “I think the shot comes from when I was little I didn’t have the strength to shoot it (that far).”

She does now and is helping the five seniors at Western advance in the tournament.

“Us five seniors want to make it one step further this season,” Hitt said. “We know Division 1 is going to be tough.”

The Panthers advanced to the state semifinals a year ago in Division 2 before bowing out. 

But a hyped up schedule may help Western (21-1) experience play at the top level. 

“Playing Arbor Prep, East Lansing, and Detroit Edison will help us in the long run,” Hitt said.