The excitement is palpable as Elizabeth Pinke and Jacie Reardon, both standout basketball players and future Montana State track and field teammates, inch closer to the final high school basketball game of their careers. Their paths have intersected through years of summer training in Grand Forks' throwing program and shared AAU experiences with the North Dakota Attack.
A Bond Forged in Competition
Having driven together to Bismarck ahead of practice for the North Dakota Lions All-Star Basketball Series, the two athletes reflect on a relationship built on mutual respect and rivalry. Their older siblings, Hunter Pinke and Lauren Reardon, also competed in the Lions event, adding a familial layer to the competition.
Records That Speak Volumes
On the court, Reardon has carved a niche as a rebounding powerhouse, averaging 13.4 points and 13.0 rebounds per game while setting a school record with 35 rebounds in a single contest. Pinke, meanwhile, has been equally prolific, averaging 16.0 points and 14.1 rebounds and surpassing the 1,200-point and 1,000-rebound milestones in her career.
Their athletic prowess extends beyond basketball. Pinke is a two-time state discus champion and a one-time state shot put champion, while Reardon achieved a triple crown at the 2026 state meet by winning all three throwing disciplines.
Looking Ahead
Both athletes express a deep sense of pride in representing their communities one last time. As they prepare to square off in the All-Star Series, they do so with the knowledge that their high school journeys are concluding, but their collegiate ambitions at Montana State are just beginning.