Leilehua Guard Expecting Big Things
For Leilehua guard Tiffany Reyher, playing basketball is an all-consuming prospect. Asked what she does in her time away from school and the game, the senior answers without hesitation: “I play basketball.
“I play basketball all the time. With our team, everything is basketball.”
Not even a rash of injuries has kept her out of the lineup in a varsity career that has seen her bypass playing for the JV team altogether.
“I’ve had a groin injury, I’ve had a back problem and I sprain my ankle every year,” Reyher admitted. “Last year, I tore ligaments, but even if I’m injured, I’ll still play.”
In this, her final go-around at the prep level, Reyher hopes for a healthy winter season. Hopes are high for the Mules once again as they look to regain the momentum of last February when they won the OIA Red Title en route to an appearance in the state Division I tournament.
Reyher recently took some time away from the practice floor and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s Central Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was in second grade and my mom made me go to a basketball clinic. We did a drill where you had to close your eyes and dribble. A coach came up to me and told me he wanted me to come and play for him. I was scared of him because he was so tall.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My grandma (Margie Iguchi). She’s been through so much in her lifetime. When she was 11, she was already taking care of her younger siblings. She’s probably the greatest person I’ve ever known. She taught me how to overcome adversity to try always to be a good person.
What area of your game did you focus on the most this off-season? Probably my shooting because I’m not very good at it. But I think I’ve gotten a little better.
Who among your teammates plays the toughest defense at practice? I don’t know; there are a lot. Coach (Elroy Dumlao) always stresses defense.
When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most? I don’t use a lot of social networks, but I do go on Instagram.
What movie picture could you watch over and over? Definitely, (my favorite is) Mulan. It was my favorite when I was growing up.
What item could you not live without? My phone. I play games, Pet Rescue and Magic Piano, and I text and I talk.
Who is your favorite musical artist? I listen to a lot of different kinds of music – R & B, hiphop, local music, alternative music and country. I listen to everything.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I keep changing my mind. At first, I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. Right now, it’s nursing.
If you were planning a trip, what would be your dream destination? There are a lot of places I’d like to go. I’d kind of like to go to New Zealand. It looks really nice there.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have just one food. What would it be? Spam musubi. I just had some, that’s why.
Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (Actress) Keisha Castle-Hughes from Whale Rider.
