Marquette, MI – May 22nd, 2026 – Ryan Reichel’s basketball journey has come full circle; from a high school basketball player to a state championship-winning coach.
As a notable high school basketball player at Westwood High School, Reichel continuing his career at Northern Michigan University, where he suited up for the Wildcats. His college playing days may have ended, but his passion for the game never did. This led him into coaching, a path that ultimately resulted in two state championships titles with the Ishpeming Hematite girls program.
Following this past season’s title run, Reichel announced he was stepping down from his position to spend more time with his family and support his daughters who play for Negaunee.
The Mining Journal reported Reichel’s reflection on his decision:
“I’ve got to watch my kid play,” he said while fighting back tears. “It was a hard season because I missed seven games of hers. Her being unselfish, she told me to go get a title. I appreciate her.”
Reichel began his coaching career at his alma mater, Westwood High School, where he led the boys program for three seasons before stepping away. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the sidelines as the head coach of the Ishpeming girls varsity program. During his ten years at the helm, Reichel compiled an impressive 165–83 record. His most notable season came in 2023-24, when he guided Ishpeming to its first-ever state championship. That team finished with just one loss, to rival Negaunee, which they later avenged.
This past season, Reichel led the Hematites to an 18–3 regular season record before an impressive postseason run. Ishpeming won seven games in the playoffs to capture the program’s second state championship, finishing the season 25–3.
Seniors Jenessa Eagle and Mya Hemmer, key contributors to the 2024 championship team, knew this would be their final run. They delivered when it mattered most, ending their careers with another title. During a press conference after Ishpeming’s hard-fought semifinal victory over Morenci, Reichel praised his senior leaders.
“I’m pretty emotional about this right now because having these two girls and knowing it’s the finale of their career and seeing what they just did tonight to carry us and will our team to win, it was remarkable.”
Hemmer spoke about the dedication of her head coach:
“This man is crazy, all props to him,” Hemmer said. “He stays up so late and gets up so early. He snowplows for people, does film for us, gets us in the gym. We’re so grateful for him. We would not be here without him.
“He makes so much time for us. He makes sure that we’re well-fed on the way down here and that we’re sleeping. He’s just on top of everything. It’s great to have that kind of adult in your life as a coach.”
With Reichel stepping down, Ishpeming will now begin its search for the next head coach of its girls basketball program. Once a replacement is named, full coverage will be available on Fox Sports Marquette.
