Crenshaw high school basketball star Quincy Reese Jr. was killed on Saturday night in South Los Angeles. The 16-year-old is remembered for his passion for basketball as well as his proficient academic efforts.
“He had loving kindness and good energy,” said Reese Jr.’s cousin Troy Ray. “If he saw you, he would be genuinely happy to see you.”
Known by his classmates as “Batman,” Reese Jr. was one of nine students on the Cougars boy’s basketball team who was currently on the honor roll, flaunting a 3.4 GPA.
“He was a good person, he would make anything fun … he would just be an exciting person,” said Reese Jr.’s younger brother Daron Hayes Jr. “He taught me a lot of things, it made me better at basketball.”
His father, Quincy Reese Sr., mentioned how his son created an apparel line named Quest HDA clothing.
“He was very intellectual, he was business-minded too,” Reese Sr. said. “I tried to give him everything I learned in school as far as sports, academics. I told him academics is first, everything else is second.”
While excelling in his schoolwork, he was a starter on the boy’s basketball team this season, helping the Cougars to a 23-5 overall record and an 8-2 Coliseum League record. Their efforts would lead them to the City Section Open Division Semifinals.
Reese was known for having “natural athleticism” and for being a hard worker according to Crenshaw basketball coach Ed Waters.
“Around the team, he was very likeable … he like to laugh a lot,” Waters said. “All of those types of things are keys to team bonding and so in that respect he was one of our best team players.”
Reese Jr. averaged 10 points and eight rebounds during the 2022-2023 season. After basketball season was over, Reese competed on the baseball team. In the two games he played in, Reese had four at-bats, stole five bases and scored one run.
His efforts in basketball caught the attention of 58 colleges and universities from Division I to community colleges.
Reese Jr. played soccer, basketball, and football at Van Ness Park. The senior Reese was his first trainer. During his high school years, he would wake up at 4:30A.M. to work with a trainer.
With all his obligations, Reese Jr. was also a role model to his younger siblings.
“He always had a big smile on his face everywhere he went,” said Reese Jr.’s uncle Joseph Marshall. “He was a laid-back dude, he was a reflection of my brother.”
The senior Reese worked hard to ensure he reached his dreams. The way he raised his son was an inspiration to his friends.
“I looked up to him,” said Reese Jr.’s childhood friend Terrence Riley. “Seeing his kids grow up motivated me to raise my kids.”
Reese Jr. was going to be captain of the Cougars boys basketball team and was set to join the football team next year.
“I’ve seen him blossom on social media,” said Leslie Riley. “[Reese Sr.] never dropped the ball. To see this tragedy coming out of high school is unbearable.”
The shooting took place on 74th street and Western Avenue, according to police. Reese Jr. was at a party with his teammates.
“You can tell a solid person was raising him,” said Randy Moore. “It’s really sad to see a child go before his parents.”
A candlelight vigil was held in front of Crenshaw high school on Sunday and the family has since returned to the vigil to hold prayers.
There has been a GoFundMe page set up for Reese Jr at https://gofund.me/4bc22e7f
