A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: St. Joseph’s Anna Kreinbrook

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, January 15, 2024 | 11:13 AM

Anna Kreinbrook had been one of the key components to the recent success of the St. Joseph’s girls basketball team.

At 6-foot-3, she is a dominating presence on the inside.

“It’s pretty fun to be this tall,” Kreinbrook said. “It helps defensively but also comes with a lot of pressure because you’re expected to do a lot of things.”

Kreinbrook is turning back the clock a bit by playing a more traditional center role instead of the more perimeter-oriented centers the game often sees today.

“With the way the game is moving, everyone wanting to play on the perimeter. It’s nice to see someone working down on the inside,” coach Geoff Dutelle said.

But Kreinbrook will pop to the perimeter if needed.

“She can step out and shoot it. It’s just not her go-to. I think she likes to play outside and move the ball — she has great vision finding people — and then work her way back inside,” Dutelle added.

Off the court, Kreinbrook’s leadership is crucial to the team’s overall success.

The Spartans (9-2, 2-0 in Section 3-A) had an interesting situation this year. With no one graduating after last season, the team returned seven seniors, but there was no definitive group of leaders at the start.

“Anna was one of the first girls to step into that leadership role and shepherd the whole group,” Dutelle added. “She keeps us moving in practice and does a good job teaching the game to the younger players. Those are the things that build programs.”

Said Kreinbrook: “There’s something more they can do when I leave, and it’s important that they pass on the lessons I’ve taught them to continue the success of the program.”

Kreinbrook took a few minutes for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

Coach Geoff Dutelle is this class of seniors’ third coach in just over two years. How has the team been able to play as well as it has during that stretch?

We worked together, stuck together and knew what we needed to do, and I think it helped us adapt in that situation. Our chemistry definitely helped to make it a smooth transition.

How special is the bond you and your fellow seniors share, and how has that bond brought the success you have had?

It’s definitely a strong bond. Five of us have been playing together since kindergarten, and it’s brought really good chemistry. It’s taught us to play together, and it carries over to the other sports we play in.

What’s the strongest part of your game?

My defense, which includes my shot blocking.

Favorite high school basketball memory?

Beating Rochester my sophomore year. It was something no one expected, and it became an energy boost for that team.

What are your plans for college, and what do you plan to study?

I’m committed to Catholic University of America. I plan on majoring in business/marketing and playing basketball.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I really like sushi.

What piece of advice do you want to leave your teammates before graduating?

I would tell them to work as hard as they can in both practices and the games and to play great defense, because defense transitions into offense.

Tags: St. Joseph