WNBA shows Highland Park’s Reese Crosby ‘what it takes’

Highland Park senior forward Reese Crosby has been around basketball all her life.

Crosby’s mother, Ann, is the vice president of basketball operations for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.

“I was born into basketball,” Crosby said. “She started working for the Chicago Sky right before I was born, so I was into that world. It’s been a privilege going to games. I’ve probably gone to 500 games in person and gone on trips with her.”

So immersed in the sport, Crosby took it for granted until she suffered a season-ending knee injury during her sophomore season.

“I couldn’t run for five or six months and wasn’t cleared to play until nine months after my surgery,” she said. “I learned how much I loved the game of basketball, just having to sit there and not being able to help the team. It was torture. It taught me real perseverance. It was mentally hard and made me stronger and work harder.

“After that, I didn’t take another day for granted and improved drastically. College was always a goal of mine, but I was OK if it didn’t happen. After my injury, I had to play in college and didn’t want to give basketball up.”

The 6-foot Crosby, who recently committed to play at Division II Regis University, bounced back last season to earn all-conference honors as she helped Highland Park win the Central Suburban League North title.

Shouldering more responsibilities this season, Crosby is averaging 16.7 points on 49.2% shooting, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks as a captain for the Giants (13-9, 6-3).

“We talked a lot last year, especially toward the end of the year, what her role would be in her senior year,” Highland Park coach Jolie Bechtel said. “She’s shown significant improvement, and it’s very obvious she worked very hard over the summer, attacking the basket and being an overall leader. She’s more vocal and the most experienced player on our team.”

Being around some of the best basketball players in the world made an impression on Crosby.

“It taught me what it takes to get to that point,” she said. “Most of them are athletic freaks, but they spend every waking hour working on their craft. That’s where I kind of got my work ethic, even watching my mom work so hard.”

Highland Park junior point guard Kourtnie Halperin said Crosby’s recovery from her knee injury made that clear.

“Reese worked hard to get back to the court after her injury and used her determination and dedication to basketball to get through it,” Halperin said.

Highland Park junior forward Lily Sever said Crosby, who has started since her freshman season, is a savvy player too.

“Reese always find the pockets to slide into for a layup or jumper,” Sever said. “She’s so intelligent when it comes to the sport and knows exactly where to be at all times.”

Highland Park sophomore guard Emily Calub agrees, noting Crosby is a playmaker.

“Reese does an amazing job at creating her own shot,” Calub said. “She has really developed her midrange game, and it’s become a strength for her.”

One of many.

“Reese is a very versatile player,” Calub said. “Not only can she take advantage of her height, but she can also handle the ball effectively under pressure.”

Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.