She’s on a real roll now

Melissa Reece has come a long way since averaging “probably 150” as a DeKalb freshman. Just three years ago, she “didn’t know how to throw a curveball,” and the Barbs frequently finished in the bottom tier of tournaments. Reece averaged 204 this season, including a 298 vs. Elgin, and the Barbs are knocking on the door of next weekend’s state tournament. Reece credits Brian Prentice, a local pro shop owner who coached her before her sophomore year. “Brian taught me a lot about physical tools, but he really emphasized the mental approach,” she said. Reece expects her team to emerge from a tough sectional at Sycamore (the defending champion): “We’ll be in Rockford [for the state tournament].”