Kenzie Reed: The Person Behind the Jersey

Lizzy Hawkes, Writer|March 2, 2022

Kenzie Reed, number one dribbles the ball down the court.

With the roar of the student section cheering him on, junior Kenzie Reed continues to impress. He was named both All-Metro and All-Conference Player of The Year, leading class 4A in returning assists, having over 50% shooting accuracy and earning a varsity spot since freshman year.

Reed has been playing basketball for his whole life, even jokes about having a mini hoop in his crib.

In his three years in the Kennedy basketball program, this is the first year his team has been crowned conference champions of the 4A division. Kenzie Reed expressed his excitement to continue this season and hopefully move on to being state champions.

With stats as spectacular as Reed’s it is easy to become over confident. Though his mother, Micah Reed comments on how he kept his character in check over the season.

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“I am extremely proud of Kenzie.”

— Micah Reed

“I love that no matter the accolades or points tallied up he remains humble,” Micah Reed said.

Kenzie Reed has not only grown as a basketball player but also a person and credits head coach Jon McKowen with helping him become who he is today.

“Coach Mcowen has helped me grow as a basketball player and as a man…he’s really helped me out in my last 3 years,” Kenzie Reed said.

Micah Reed is thankful for the lessons Kennedy basketball has taught her son.

“He’s been able to blossom as a player and a young man and I appreciate his coaching staff tremendously for those life lessons,” Micah Reed said. “I have seen him mature in his decision making and leadership skills…I am extremely proud of Kenzie.”

Kenzie Reed helped lead his team through the regular season and onto a sub-state victory against inner city rival, CR Washington, punching the teams ticket to the state tournament in Des Moines. He celebrated not only his personal performance but the performance of his teammates.

“He celebrates his teammates successes which isn’t always easy to do,” McKowen said.

Kennedy will take on Waukee Northwest on March 9, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. in the Wells Fargo Arena for the state quarterfinal game.