Oh brother, Jamie Reinhardt claims family bragging rights

Jamie Reinhardt came by playing basketball and other sports naturally with two big brothers in the house.

Jake graduated in 2016 from Princeton playing basketball with Josh following him two years later. Their father, John, also was a Tiger baller (’86) and little brother, Jordan, will be breaking in the ranks as a freshman next year.

“I’ve always looked up to them, anything and everything. It’s just something we do,” he said. “Four brothers at home. We’re all pretty athletic, I’d say. It’s fun for sure, having four brothers and something to look up to.”

The Reinhardt brothers and dad will be looking up to Jamie now. He scored his 1,000-career point in his final home at Prouty Gym and leaves as the No. 9 all-time leading scorer in school history.

He led the Tigers to a 7-3 record in the COVID-reduced 2021 season, undefeated in six Three Rivers East Conference games.

He was named unanimous TRAC East All-Conference.

And now, he goes out as the 2021 BCR Player of the Year.

And to think, Reinhardt never knew for sure he was even going to get a senior season at all, one that was put on pause by COVID-19 until February.

“Yeah, we thought we were going to play (in November), then we didn’t. Then we got the OK to go,” he said. “I was very excited. I was a little nervous I was going to be out of shape, which I was. But we got through it.

“I do wished we could have played a full season. We had a solid team. Would have been nice to see how far we could have gone.”

The 1,000 points was the icing on the cake.

“I’m very happy I accomplished the 1,000 points. It was awesome. Once, I got it, I didn’t really know what to say or do,” he said. “Now I can brag with the brothers. Yeah, it’s nice to have.”

Reinhardt, who averaged 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 2.2 assists a game, had no idea before the game he was approaching 1,000 points until Tiger coach Jason Smith wrote the number 10 on the board at halftime to let them know that’s how many he needed.

“My teammates stepped up and helped me out for it,” he said. “I’m most happy I did it here. Last game in the home gym.”

Smith said it was pretty special moment.

“I was extremely proud of him that he’d got to accomplishment that goal this year with no postseason,” Smith said.

Reinhardt had a legitimate shot at chasing down the school record of legendary Joe Ruklick’s 1,306. Ruklick, who passed away last year, used his prep days at PHS to launch an All-American career at Northwestern University and a brief NBA career.

“It’s pretty disappointing, but you get what you get and make the best out of it,” Reinhardt said. “But I would have really liked to see how many points I could have got in a whole season. I’m just happy I got to play a little bit at least.”

Smith said Reinhardt was all-around team player and consummate point guard.

“He’s pretty amazing. He’s a very coachable kid. Never gave you attitude. Always did the right thing for you,” Smith said. “Even though he’s not a vocal leader, you can always count on him for his leadership by his actions. Everybody on the team likes him and he’s just a delight to have around.

“He picks his poison. When he knew it was time to turn it on, he’d tried to take over a game. And when he needed to be unselfish and feed the hot hand, he’d do that, too. Not too many kids have that in them.”

While Reinhardt may no longer wear the No. 4 Tiger blues, Smith said his presence will still be felt on next year’s team.

“Lot of these kids relied on him heavily at times. I think he left a legacy,” Smith said. “Part of those building blocks we talk about building a good program, kids following him have learned from him and will keep building from that on. He’ll always be around because you’ll always see those attributes in those kids he’s installed in them.”

Reinhardt, who has no plans to pursue sports past the upcoming baseball season, said it doesn’t feel like his basketball career is all over yet.

“I’ll definitely miss it a lot when months go by and I finally realize that we’re done. It was a fun four years for sure.”

And now the next four years will belong to baby brother, Jordan.

“Oh, yeah, he’s going to be ready to go,” Reinhardt said. “Everyone’s saying Jordan’s going to be (the best). He’s supposed to grow quite a bit. We’ll see what happens there.”

The Jamie Reinhardt file

* 2021 BCR Player of the Year

* Unanimous TRAC East All-Conference

* Averaged 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 2.2 assists

* No. 9 all-time scorer at PHS (1,010 points)